How to Improve the Germination Rate When Planting Autumn Spinach

Spinach is a common vegetable with strong adaptability and can be planted all year round. However, because the seed coat of spinach is relatively hard and does not absorb water easily, germination is difficult, so the germination rate of spinach is relatively low. Now is exactly the time for planting autumn spinach, so how can the germination rate of spinach be improved? Follow the editor to learn about it.

1. Seed selection

To prevent spinach from being infected by diseases during the growing period, before planting you can pick out the plump seeds from the spinach and place them in the sun to dry for 4-6 hours. After sun-drying, use a fungicide to sterilize the seeds, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of diseases in spinach during the seedling stage.

2. Seed soaking

The surface of spinach seeds has a layer of gelatinous substance. If it is not treated before sowing, the seeds protected by this gelatinous layer cannot fully absorb water from the soil, which makes spinach seed germination more difficult. Therefore, the seeds need to be pre-sprouted before sowing. Spinach seeds can be soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Soak the spinach seeds in a solution of undiluted hydrogen peroxide and water at a ratio of 1:4. To allow the seeds to absorb water more fully, stir while pouring. The soaking time can be determined according to the local temperature. When the temperature is around 25 degrees, the soaking time is about 1 hour. When the temperature is 20 degrees, the soaking time can be extended to 2 hours.

3. Pre-sprouting treatment

After soaking, the spinach seeds need to undergo pre-sprouting treatment. After removing the seeds, wash them clean in clear water and then drain off the water. Wrap the seeds in wet gauze and place them in a cool, moist, and ventilated place to begin pre-sprouting. To keep the spinach seeds in a consistently moist state, spray water on the gauze in the morning and evening during pre-sprouting. Generally, under suitable temperature conditions, after 2-3 days the spinach seeds will grow white tips, and then they can be planted.

4. Planting management

Before sowing spinach, the plot to be planted needs to be watered thoroughly, then the spinach seeds should be evenly scattered on the soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. When the sun is strong at noon, the soil is very easy to dry out, thereby affecting the germination rate of spinach. Therefore, to ensure the germination rate, after broadcast sowing you can cover with a layer of straw and water in the morning and evening until two true leaves have grown.

  The above is an introduction to how to improve the germination rate of autumn spinach. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.