Since we’re getting to the time of year where the bulk of you “from seed” growers might be starting seeds, let’s talk about a couple more core seed growing topics. Today, let’s talk about something called photoblasticism.
Some seeds simply require light in order to facilitate germination. We call these seeds photoblastic and it affects some common garden plants like celery, lettuce, dill, thyme and oregano.
Though you may have heard of some growers germinating in darkness, what we’d tell you is that this is not a requirement of growing from seed. Pretty much all seeds will properly germinate under light (assuming some sort of day/night cycle is provided), whereas not all seeds will germinate without light. We simply germinate all our seeds under light so we don’t have to worry about these details.
Curiously, there is this whole supposed category of seeds that are referred to as negatively photoblastic. Meaning, they supposedly require darkness for germination. However, we’ve grown almost all of these and have germinated them under light just fine. Perhaps those “short nights” of our day/night cycle are enough, but this whole thing can trip up newer growers that don’t know better.
Honestly, we do sort of question the entire premise of negative photoblasticism, it seems counter to biology. Some seeds like carrots, beets and radish are supposedly on that list. Yet, we germinate those seeds come May and June when we fully have 24 hours of daylight!
We should do deeper experimentation, both ways. Perhaps a topic for another day and some indoor gardening where we can control it!
Should you still insist on germinating some of those seeds in darkness, it is important to keep a close eye on them. Once your seeds have germinated, it’s important to get them under light as soon as possible. At the point of germination, they are ready to photosynthesize and light is an essential ingredient of development.
We’re looking forward to many of you joining us with your from seed gardens. Eight weeks to last frost is that “critical time” where if you’re not growing yet, you won’t have enough time in the early season to get some things done!
