156 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



before sowing. Neglecting to do this may prevent the 

 germination of expensive seeds. Moisture assists in rup- 

 turing the seed coat. It also causes the protoplasm to 

 become active. 



Temperature requirements. Place in a temperature 

 similar to that required by the matured plant of that par- 

 ticular species.. Carelessness in this may stunt the 

 growth of developing seedlings, even if germination is not 

 prevented. 



Drainage. Provide good drainage so that the space 

 between soil particles will not be filled with water, and the 

 free oxygen of the air thus excluded. 



Maturity of seeds. Sow seeds as soon as possible after 

 they are mature, to prevent the hardening of the seed coat 

 and the drying out of the tissue beneath. 



Rapidity of growth. Encourage rapid germination of 

 seeds by giving proper environmental conditions, so that 

 algse and other troubles may not destroy their germinating 

 power. 



119. Seed testing. Seed testing is of great importance 

 to the flower-grower, for often he should have a quantity 

 of plants fully matured at a certain date. This may be 

 the case at a holiday season, such as Easter or Christmas. 

 If a planting of seeds fails to germinate, it may mean a 

 large financial loss. 



Many times, seeds do not germinate even when given 

 the proper environmental conditions mentioned. This 

 may be because the seeds are not sufficiently matured 

 when collected. Expensive pansy seed, for example, is 

 hand picked, and great care is taken to have every capsule 

 matured and ready to burst, before gathering. When 

 cheap pansy seed is placed on the market, the probabilities 

 are that the plants have been pulled, spread on a cloth 



