How to quickly check cucumber seeds for germination

Cucumbers

When growing any crop, the quality of the seed plays a significant role in the final result. Healthy seeds will produce healthy seedlings that will grow into strong, resilient plants. To test the germination of cucumber seeds at home, whether purchased or harvested, there are several simple methods using readily available materials.

Germination - why is it determined?

The term "germination rate" refers to the percentage of seeds sown and germinated. If they are purchased in a store, the percentage determined under laboratory conditions is indicated on the packaging. This percentage allows you to predict the amount of seed, seedlings, and the area they will occupy.

If you've prepared your own seed, checking its quality is essential to avoid wasting effort and wasting time. The "field" (home) germination rate will be lower because it's impossible to create the ideal environment at home, like in a laboratory.

Cucumber Seeds Shelf Life and Storage

The germination rate of cucumber seeds depends on how long they are stored. In mature, well-dried seeds, metabolic processes slow down, they "go dormant," and retain their quality for 6-8 years. Over time, the germination rate decreases, but, interestingly, the number of female seeds increases.

Note!

A distinctive feature of cucumber seeds is their ability to display their best qualities 2-3 years after harvesting – at this age, they produce the maximum number of seedlings. Cucumbers with three chambers (clearly visible in the flesh) produce male seeds with sterile flowers, while those with four chambers produce female flowers and germinate uniformly the following year.

Seeds from non-hybrid varieties should be stored well-dried in the shade outdoors (not near a heating source), as this will cause loss of varietal characteristics. Store in a paper bag or breathable fabric bag in a dry place (18-22°C). Be sure to indicate the year of collection and the variety.

Poor germination – reasons

The germination rate decreases with each year of storage - after one year it is 90-95%, which is considered normal, after two - about 80%, in 3-4 years - already 35-40%.

What does the safety of seed material depend on:

best before date;
compliance with the rules for selecting seed fruit and drying;
temperature and humidity conditions in the room;
ventilation in the container (bag);
presence of infection.

If the seeds are suitable and have been properly prepared for sowing, the seedlings should appear simultaneously and of good quality.

Note!

Depending on the conditions, sprouts emerge at different times. At temperatures below 12°C, they may not emerge—the seed will rot in the cold soil. At 15-20°C, cucumbers will sprout in a week or more. At 24-26°C, sprouts will appear in 3-4 days.

There are several factors that can affect the germination of cucumber seeds:

heavy soil that does not conduct moisture and air well;
sprinkling with heavy soil when planting (it is better to sprinkle with loose peat or humus);
low soil temperature;
depleted soil;
lack (excess) of moisture - in dry soil germination slows down or does not occur at all, in damp soil the seed begins to mold;
disinfection was not carried out;
Incorrect treatment for infection - weak or too concentrated solution, not observing the holding time (overexposed), overdrying after treatment;
excessive deepening (the norm is 1.5 to 2 cm) – with deep planting the supply of oxygen and moisture is disrupted;
incorrect choice of location – dark or, conversely, direct sunlight, damp room or dry air due to heating devices;
the greenhouse is not ventilated - the accumulation of condensation increases humidity, increasing the risk of rotting;
the variety is not taken into account - each variety has its own requirements for soil, germination conditions, and sowing times;
the presence of infection in the soil, in irrigation water.

Culling, determination of germination

To ensure the quality of your seeds, you can test their germination rate at home in advance using simple and accessible methods. If they are of poor quality and don't germinate, you'll have time to purchase replacements.

First, you need to separate the even, dense, large seeds from the small, empty ones. Spotted and darkened seeds are also not suitable. After calibration, they are sorted. The methods suggested below are suitable for material stored for no more than 2-3 years. Almost all old seeds may float during sorting, but don't throw them away—you can test them for germination., taking a small batch.

How to check germination

Before any planting (seedlings, sowing directly into the ground), cucumber seeds must be checked in advance to ensure their condition or failure. A common method for testing cucumber seeds for germination is to germinate them in a cloth soaked in water., but there are other, no less effective methods.

Germination options:

In a wet cloth. Place a cotton cloth soaked in warm water in a container (bag), spread the seeds on top, cover with the same cloth, close the container, and place in a warm place. The optimal temperature for germination is 25-28°C.

Note!

Cotton wool and gauze are not suitable for use - fragile sprouts become entangled in the loose material.

Using a spray bottle, distribute the seeds evenly across one side of the bag, moisten generously with the spray bottle, close the other side, press lightly, and tie the bag. Cut holes in the top of the film. Place the bag in a warm place – the viable seeds will swell and sprout.
In sawdust. Before use, scald sawdust with boiling water to disinfect, then spread it out (6 cm high) in a shallow container, moistening it if it has dried out. After soaking the grains in water for about an hour, spread them out, leaving a 2 cm gap between them, and cover with damp sawdust (a layer no thicker than 1 cm). Cover the container with plastic wrap and place it in a warm place. Spray daily.

Advice!

You need to remember the number of grains to know how many did not sprout.

In a roll of paper. The method is similar to the previous ones, but instead of cloth or sawdust, use damp toilet paper. The key is to keep it moistened with a spray bottle and not allow it to dry out.

Increasing germination

To accelerate germination and improve the condition of the seeds, use growth stimulants, following the instructions. Soak the seeds for 7-8 hours—this time is sufficient to stimulate metabolic processes. Germination after treatment increases by 20%.

A good effect is achieved by heating the bag with the seed material for half an hour at a temperature of 60°C – place it on a radiator or keep it in the oven.

Pre-sowing seed germination testing is simple and doesn't take much time. Failure to do so can result in lost time, resulting in delayed germination, delayed planting, and delayed fruit ripening.