LESSONS

on seeds

Seeds can be simply defined as the reproductive part of a plant.  They are the product of a ripened ovule after fertilization by pollen.  Spermatophyte is the category of plants that produce seeds, which includes gymnosperm and angiosperm plants.  Gymnosperms are formed in unisexual cones, typically lacking in fruits and flowers.  Angiosperms develop in the ovaries of flowers and are typically enclosed in a protective fruit.

We will be focusing on angiosperms in this lesson, as all edible plants fall under this category.

Angiosperm seeds come in various sizes and textures, however they all share the same complexities and biological structures.  Seeds, or plant embryos, are surrounded and protected by a seed coat, which is usually enclosed in the ovary of the plant.  The seed coat is protecting a magical, self-sufficient and self-generative system packed densely within the seed.  The endosperm acts as the food storage for the developing plant embryo - typically containing starches, proteins, and other nutrients to help support the process of germination.

Seeds remain in a naturally dormant state until they are awakened by the process of germination - the development of a plant from sprouting a seed to seedling (growing plant embryo).  Seed germination is dependent on four key factors - water, soil or growth medium, the right temperature, and light exposure.  To ensure that your seeds will germinate, the seed needs to be submerged in some sort of growing medium (typically soil), needs to have access to water, and should be planted at their recommended germination temperature.  Seeds do not actually need light to start growing, some seeds actually prefer to germinate in darkness! 

Once the seed begins its process of germination, the radicle is the first part of a seedling to emerge.  It is the embryonic root which will later on develop into the primary root of the plant.  Now that the root is grounded in the growth medium, the seed has access to water and therefore can access nutrients from both the soil and from their own storage.  

Over time the hypocotyl, the first emergent stem of the plant, pushes out of the soil beginning its exposure to light and the atmosphere.  From the hypocotyl, the epicotyl will expand and form the stem and point of attachment between the roots and the cotyledon.  The cotyledons are the first leaves that develop from a seed.  They remain stored and packed away within the seed until germination pushes it through the soil into the atmosphere.  The cotyledon allows the plant to begin its earliest stages of photosynthesis.  With energy from the sun and nutrients from the soil (absorbed through water), your seed will slowly start growing its first true leaves.  Typically once true leaves emerge, the plant no longer needs its cotyledon leaves and they often fall or die off, breaking down into the soil. 

The magical power that seeds hold can truly feel otherworldly.  The intricate self-generative system of life enclosed within the seed coat possess so much hope and security for sustainability and existence. Seeds are able to stay dormant and at rest until they are introduced to the elements.  As we are entering the end of the height of our 2020 season, here are some important notes and conditions to consider when storing our seeds to ensure viability for next seasons plantings:

• Make sure that seeds are stored in a dry location - out of reach from any moisture

• Keep seeds out of the light and away from sunlight - it’s safe to keep them in a dark location

• Ideal to store seeds in a temperate environment - a spot that is not too hot and not too cold.  However, always remember to check the specifications on your seed packets!  There are some seed varieties that may prefer to be stored in the fridge or freezer! 

Go back and review our Lesson 1: On Propagation for more detail on how to get your seeds planted. Some of our favorite resources for seeds are listed below: 

• Freedom Gardens for Halden Seeds

• Seed Savers