How to Plant Spinach So It Sprouts Easily? The Latest Growing Tips
Spinach, as a vegetable that is simple to grow, is chosen by many people to plant, and it can even be grown in pots at home as a backup. But spinach seed germination has always been a difficult problem to solve, and many people find that the germination rate of the spinach seeds they plant is extremely low. Below, let us understand from which aspects to start so that spinach will sprout more easily.
1. Seed treatment
First, the seeds need to be selected. Newly harvested seeds have a period of dormancy, during which the germination rate is relatively low, so older seeds can be used. For some seeds that are blackened, damaged, or shriveled, it is best to remove them promptly, as these are basically unqualified. Then rub the seeds properly for a while; for lighter rubbing, repeat several times. After that, place them in the sunlight to dry for a period and use the sunlight to sterilize them, then prepare to wake the seeds.
2. Waking the seeds
After the seeds have been treated as above, it is time to start waking the seeds. This determines the subsequent sprouting rate, so it needs to be done carefully. First place the seeds in water to soak for about 10-12 hours, then place them in a cool place and observe the seeds' shell cracking. This observation period is about 3-7 days. During this time, the seeds need to be kept moist, so they need to be watered regularly. If the water evaporates too quickly, it is best to add some covering material on top of the seeds to keep them moist.
3. Temperature control
Once the seeds show signs of shell cracking, place them into the soil to let them take root and sprout. At this time, the most important thing is temperature control. To make spinach sprout easily, the temperature should be kept within the range suitable for spinach growth. The most suitable temperature for spinach seeds just placed in the soil is around 20-22°C, with a maximum of no more than 25°C and a minimum of no less than 15°C; at this temperature stage, they sprout most easily. If it is summer, choose a cooler place for raising seedlings; in winter, choose a place with higher temperature and no wind.
4. Water control
Temperature affects the speed of germination, while moisture directly affects whether spinach sprouts. During the seedling stage, spinach needs more watering. At this time, watering requires attention to controlling the amount, because spinach seeds have just sprouted and their root system is not well developed; too much water can easily cause seedling death. When watering, just soak through about 2-3 cm of the surface layer; there must be no water accumulation at the bottom. The whole soil should feel somewhat moist to the touch; this level of moisture is most likely to lead to spinach sprouting.
The above are the methods for making spinach sprout more easily when planting. Many people overlook these factors when planting, or do not pay much attention to them, which leads to a very low sprouting rate in the spinach they grow.