14 



PROPAGATION OF PLANTS BY MEANS OF SEEDS 



Growth of Seeds.— After pollen grows in the pistil the union 

 with the young seed cells (ovules) is called fertilization. Rapid 

 development of the seeds then takes place. It is a rather brief 

 period from the time of this fertilization until the seeds are of full 

 size. The garden pea develops seeds in a few days or a few weeks 

 after blossoming. In the bush fruits this growth is rapid. Winter 

 varieties of apples require nearly the whole season. 



While the plant is developing the seed crop, much attention 

 must be given it. Good tillage and plenty of available plant food 

 are both desirable. It is a critical time in the life of the plant and 



Fig. 8. — Cleistogamoua or bidden blossoms at the base of a violet clump. (U. S. D. A.) 



many crops of fruit and seeds are reduced by improper conditions 

 during this time. 



Store of Nourishment in Seeds. — The plant stores up a consid- 

 erable amount of nourishment in its seed crop. This explains why 

 the maturing of seeds is so devitalizing to the plant. 



The food stored in seeds sustains the life of the young plant 

 until it is able to obtain nourishment through its roots and leaves. 

 It is because of this store of nourishment that we use seeds of so 

 many kinds for human food and for stock feed. 



SAVING GARDEN SEEDS 



Gardeners, both young and old, should save garden seeds more 

 systematically. In many cases much better results can be obtained 

 if we save seeds from our own gardens. 



