How to Plant Cucumber Seeds? A Detailed Guide to Sowing Methods
How do you plant cucumber seeds? Cucumbers are usually grown by sexual reproduction (seed propagation), but because cucumber sap contains certain alkaloids, organic acids and other substances that inhibit growth, they suppress seed germination. If the seeds are not treated before sowing, they will be difficult to germinate even after planting. Below, we will explain how to plant cucumber seeds.
Selecting Cucumber Seeds
For cucumber seed varieties that have been grown in previous years, growers can choose them with confidence, because the growing and harvesting results of these varieties are already clear. However, for seed varieties that have not been tried before, it is best to plant them on a small scale first, and only sow them widely if the germination results and growth conditions are satisfactory. In addition, before sowing, it is best to test the germination rate and germination vigor of the purchased seeds. Cucumber seeds with strong germination vigor sprout quickly and uniformly, and only a germination rate of 90% or above meets the planting requirements and ensures a good harvest.
Of course, different varieties of cucumber seeds adapt differently to different cultivation conditions. Some are suitable for open-field cultivation, and some are suitable for greenhouse cultivation. When buying cucumber seeds, gardeners should analyze the specific situation and choose varieties suited to their growing conditions.
Cucumber Seed Treatment
According to surveys of various infectious cucumber diseases, about 34.6% of cases are spread by seed-borne pathogens, mainly anthracnose, scab, black spot, bacterial angular leaf spot and so on. Therefore, seeds should be disinfected before sowing. There are many disinfection methods, among which heat sterilization is better. It has the advantages of simple operation, a broad sterilization spectrum, safety for seeds, environmental friendliness and cost savings, and is suitable for farmers to adopt widely.
1. Warm water pre-soaking: First soak the cucumber seeds in room-temperature water for 4 hours, remove them and soak them in 55°C hot water, using heat to sterilize and disinfect for 15 minutes. Then remove them and put them into cool water to cool down, then move on to germination or sowing. The key point is to strictly follow the required water temperature and time.
2. Seed disinfection: Seed disinfection is the most economical and effective method for controlling many infectious diseases and pests, and is an indispensable measure for preventing diseases and pests at the seedling stage. Because the amount of pesticide used in seed treatment is very small and the time until cucumber harvest is long, there is almost no problem of pesticide residue, so it is also an important measure advocated for producing pollution-free vegetables.
① Seed coating: Seed coating agents contain fungicides and insecticides that kill seed-borne diseases and soil-dwelling pests, as well as trace-element fertilizers and plant growth regulators that promote seed germination and cucumber growth. Some commercial seeds are already coated before leaving the factory, and such seeds do not need further disinfection treatment.
② Hot water seed soaking: Hot water seed soaking uses the difference in heat tolerance between dry seeds and pathogens to kill pathogens on the seed surface through high temperature. Put the dry seeds into 55-60°C warm water, stir constantly, and keep adding hot water to maintain the water temperature at 55-60°C for 10 minutes. When the temperature drops to 28-30°C, soak the seeds for another 4-6 hours, rinse them clean, and then germinate them.
③ Chemical seed soaking: First, use 72.2% Previcur SL or 25% metalaxyl WP at 800 times dilution, and soak the seeds for 20 minutes to control fungal diseases at the cucumber seedling stage. Second, soak the seeds in 50% thiram WP at 500 times dilution for 20 minutes to control anthracnose and stem blight. Third, coating disinfection with 2.5% Celest suspension seed coating agent can not only kill pathogenic fungi lurking in the seed coat, but also penetrate into the interior of the seed to kill pathogenic fungi that have invaded the seed interior, effectively controlling damping-off, Rhizoctonia rot and other diseases at the seedling stage of cucurbits. Fourth, to prevent virus diseases caused by virus-carrying seeds, soak the seeds in 10% trisodium phosphate solution for 20 minutes. Fifth, soaking the seeds in a 500-times diluted solution of 1 million units of agricultural streptomycin for 2 hours can control bacterial diseases.
No matter which chemical is used for seed soaking, after soaking the seeds must be rinsed with clean water to prevent chemical injury.
Seed Soaking and Germination
1. Seed soaking: Seeds that have undergone hot water soaking or chemical soaking are then soaked at 25-30°C for 4-6 hours, so that the seeds absorb water equal to 50-60% of their dry weight. Then rub the mucus off the seed coat by hand, remove germination-inhibiting substances, float off impurities and shriveled seeds, and rinse clean with water.
2. Seed germination: Wrap the soaked seeds in clean wet gauze, then wrap them in a wrung-out wet towel, and place them in a 25-30°C location to germinate. Rinse them with warm water 1-2 times a day, and continue germination after rinsing. At 25-30°C, they will germinate in 16-20 hours. The germinated seeds can be picked out in batches for sowing, or kept at 5-8°C and sown together after all have sprouted.
How to Plant Cucumber Seeds? Sowing and Propagation Methods for Cucumbers
Cucumber is a vegetable that everyone loves very much. It has a crisp texture and functions such as clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting urination and reducing swelling. So how should cucumbers be planted? In fact, when growing cucumbers, sexual reproduction, that is, seed propagation, is usually used. So how do you plant cucumber seeds? The sowing and propagation methods for cucumbers are introduced below.
Image: cucumber seeds
I. Selecting Cucumber Seeds
For cucumber seed varieties that have been grown in previous years, growers can choose them with confidence, because the growing and harvesting results of these varieties are already clear. However, for seed varieties that have not been tried before, it is best to plant them on a small scale first, and only sow them widely if the germination results and growth conditions are satisfactory. In addition, before sowing, it is best to test the germination rate and germination vigor of the purchased seeds. Cucumber seeds with strong germination vigor sprout quickly and uniformly, and only a germination rate of 90% or above meets the planting requirements and ensures a good harvest. Of course, different varieties of cucumber seeds adapt differently to different cultivation conditions. Some are suitable for open-field cultivation, and some are suitable for greenhouse cultivation. When buying cucumber seeds, gardeners should analyze the specific situation and choose varieties suited to their growing conditions.
Image: cucumber cultivation
II. Cucumber Seed Treatment
According to surveys of various infectious cucumber diseases, about 34.6% of cases are spread by seed-borne pathogens, mainly anthracnose, scab, black spot, bacterial angular leaf spot and so on. Therefore, seeds should be disinfected before sowing. There are many disinfection methods, among which heat sterilization is better. It has the advantages of simple operation, a broad sterilization spectrum, safety for seeds, environmental friendliness and cost savings, and is suitable for farmers to adopt widely.
1. Warm water pre-soaking:First soak the cucumber seeds in room-temperature water for 4 hours, remove them and soak them in 55°C hot water, using heat to sterilize and disinfect for 15 minutes. Then remove them and put them into cool water to cool down, then move on to germination or sowing. The key point is to strictly follow the required water temperature and time.
2. Seed disinfection:Seed disinfection is the most economical and effective method for controlling many infectious diseases and pests, and is an indispensable measure for preventing diseases and pests at the seedling stage. Because the amount of pesticide used in seed treatment is very small and the time until cucumber harvest is long, there is almost no problem of pesticide residue, so it is also an important measure advocated for producing pollution-free vegetables.
Image: cucumber cultivation
(1) Seed coating:Seed coating agents contain fungicides and insecticides that kill seed-borne diseases and soil-dwelling pests, as well as trace-element fertilizers and plant growth regulators that promote seed germination and cucumber growth. Some commercial seeds are already coated before leaving the factory, and such seeds do not need further disinfection treatment.
(2) Hot water seed soaking:Hot water seed soaking uses the difference in heat tolerance between dry seeds and pathogens to kill pathogens on the seed surface through high temperature. Put the dry seeds into 55-60°C warm water, stir constantly, and keep adding hot water to maintain the water temperature at 55-60°C for 10 minutes. When the temperature drops to 28-30°C, soak the seeds for another 4-6 hours, rinse them clean, and then germinate them.
(3) Chemical seed soaking:First, use 72.2% Previcur SL or 25% metalaxyl WP at 800 times dilution, and soak the seeds for 20 minutes to control fungal diseases at the cucumber seedling stage. Second, soak the seeds in 50% thiram WP at 500 times dilution for 20 minutes to control anthracnose and stem blight. Third, coating disinfection with 2.5% Celest suspension seed coating agent can not only kill pathogenic fungi lurking in the seed coat, but also penetrate into the interior of the seed to kill pathogenic fungi that have invaded the seed interior, effectively controlling damping-off, Rhizoctonia rot and other diseases at the seedling stage of cucurbits. Fourth, to prevent virus diseases caused by virus-carrying seeds, soak the seeds in 10% trisodium phosphate solution for 20 minutes. Fifth, soaking the seeds in a 500-times diluted solution of 1 million units of agricultural streptomycin for 2 hours can control bacterial diseases. No matter which chemical is used for seed soaking, after soaking the seeds must be rinsed with clean water to prevent chemical injury.
Image: cucumber cultivation
III. Seed Soaking and Germination
1. Seed soaking:Seeds that have undergone hot water soaking or chemical soaking are then soaked at 25-30°C for 4-6 hours, so that the seeds absorb water equal to 50-60% of their dry weight. Then rub the mucus off the seed coat by hand, remove germination-inhibiting substances, float off impurities and shriveled seeds, and rinse clean with water.
2. Seed germination:Wrap the soaked seeds in clean wet gauze, then wrap them in a wrung-out wet towel, and place them in a 25-30°C location to germinate. Rinse them with warm water 1-2 times a day, and continue germination after rinsing. At 25-30°C, they will germinate in 16-20 hours. The germinated seeds can be picked out in batches for sowing, or kept at 5-8°C and sown together after all have sprouted.
[Editor's Conclusion]Because cucumber sap contains growth-inhibiting alkaloids, organic acids and other substances that suppress seed germination, the seeds must be treated before sowing. The sowing and propagation methods for cucumbers have been introduced above, and we hope they can help you.
A Detailed Guide to Planting Cucumber Seeds
Cucumber is a very common vegetable in our daily lives. It is rich in nutritional value, can be eaten raw or cooked, has a crisp texture and is very delicious. But do you know how to grow cucumbers scientifically? For a high-quality cucumber, whether its seeds are high quality, how they are raised, the pH of the soil, the sowing season, the sowing method, how to fertilize, how to water, and when to water - all these factors determine what this cucumber will grow into and how it will taste. Today, we will take you through the scientific method of growing cucumbers.
I. Cucumber Seed Treatment:
According to surveys of various infectious cucumber diseases, about 34.6% of cases are spread by seed-borne pathogens, mainly anthracnose, scab, black spot, bacterial angular leaf spot and so on. Therefore, seeds should be disinfected before sowing. There are many disinfection methods, among which heat sterilization is better. It has the advantages of simple operation, a broad sterilization spectrum, safety for seeds, environmental friendliness and cost savings, and is suitable for farmers to adopt widely.
1. Warm water pre-soaking: First soak the cucumber seeds in room-temperature water for 4 hours, remove them and soak them in 55°C hot water, using heat to sterilize and disinfect for 15 minutes. Then remove them and put them into cool water to cool down, then move on to germination or sowing. The key point is to strictly follow the required water temperature and time.
2. Seed disinfection: Seed disinfection is the most economical and effective method for controlling many infectious diseases and pests, and is an indispensable measure for preventing diseases and pests at the seedling stage. Because the amount of pesticide used in seed treatment is very small and the time until cucumber harvest is long, there is almost no problem of pesticide residue, so it is also an important measure advocated for producing pollution-free vegetables.
① Seed coating: Seed coating agents contain fungicides and insecticides that kill seed-borne diseases and soil-dwelling pests, as well as trace-element fertilizers and plant growth regulators that promote seed germination and cucumber growth. Some commercial seeds are already coated before leaving the factory, and such seeds do not need further disinfection treatment.
② Hot water seed soaking: Hot water seed soaking uses the difference in heat tolerance between dry seeds and pathogens to kill pathogens on the seed surface through high temperature. Put the dry seeds into 55-60°C warm water, stir constantly, and keep adding hot water to maintain the water temperature at 55-60°C for 10 minutes. When the temperature drops to 28-30°C, soak the seeds for another 4-6 hours, rinse them clean, and then germinate them.
③ Chemical seed soaking:
First, use 72.2% Previcur SL or 25% metalaxyl WP at 800 times dilution, and soak the seeds for 20 minutes to control fungal diseases at the cucumber seedling stage.
Second, soak the seeds in 50% thiram WP at 500 times dilution for 20 minutes to control anthracnose and stem blight.
Third, coating disinfection with 2.5% Celest suspension seed coating agent can not only kill pathogenic fungi lurking in the seed coat, but also penetrate into the interior of the seed to kill pathogenic fungi that have invaded the seed interior, effectively controlling damping-off, Rhizoctonia rot and other diseases at the seedling stage of cucurbits.
Fourth, to prevent virus diseases caused by virus-carrying seeds, soak the seeds in 10% trisodium phosphate solution for 20 minutes. Fifth, soaking the seeds in a 500-times diluted solution of 1 million units of agricultural streptomycin for 2 hours can control bacterial diseases. No matter which chemical is used for seed soaking, after soaking the seeds must be rinsed with clean water to prevent chemical injury.
II. Seed Soaking and Germination
1. Seed soaking: Seeds that have undergone hot water soaking or chemical soaking are then soaked at 25-30°C for 4-6 hours, so that the seeds absorb water equal to 50-60% of their dry weight. Then rub the mucus off the seed coat by hand, remove germination-inhibiting substances, float off impurities and shriveled seeds, and rinse clean with water.
2. Seed germination: Wrap the soaked seeds in clean wet gauze, then wrap them in a wrung-out wet towel, and place them in a 25-30°C location to germinate. Rinse them with warm water 1-2 times a day, and continue germination after rinsing. At 25-30°C, they will germinate in 16-20 hours. The germinated seeds can be picked out in batches for sowing, or kept at 5-8°C and sown together after all have sprouted.
III. Later Growth
After sowing, cucumber seeds need more careful care. Be careful not to scatter the seeds too densely or too sparsely, water regularly and in fixed amounts, do not water too much, and pay attention to moderation. Keep the water at a warm temperature, around 10 degrees.
Well, the above is the cucumber seed planting method compiled for everyone. Cucumbers do not have very high requirements for the growing environment and have relatively strong vitality. Therefore, these methods are suitable not only for large-scale vegetable cultivation, but also for home balcony growing. Those who are interested can try growing cucumbers themselves after carefully reading the process. Cucumbers you grow yourself are not only fresh, but also taste good and are even richer in nutrients. Everyone can not only taste delicious cucumbers, but also harvest the joy of doing it themselves, and further release the pressure of a high-stress life.