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SEEDS AND SEED BEDS |
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The soil in which rose seeds are to be sown should be sterilized in some way. This is mainly to kill fungi, which cause
damping-off of young seedlings, but weed seeds can be killed too. In any case, a light sandy loam should be used. Fungi can be destroyed by mixing three tablespoonsful of formaldehyde in each bushel of soil and storing it in a container for a few days. Baking the soil in pans over a fire will kill both fungi and weed seeds. It will also reduce organic matter but this is unimportant at this stage of rose culture. The seed contains enough food to nourish the plant for some weeks, by which time it would be safe to commence manuring. Organic matter not only feeds plants but harbours fungi. After sterilization the soil should be frequently stirred and aired for two or three days, especially if formaldehyde has been used.
All of this may seem laborious, but only a small amount of soil is needed, and it will save many failures. The importance of killing weed seeds becomes obvious when one realizes how quickly they germinate and how slowly some rose seeds germinate. As tiny two-leafed plants there is often not enough difference between weeds and roses for the amateur, or even the experienced man, to distinguish with certainty. If weeds are allowed to grow to a size at which they can be identified by the novice, they have developed big root systems as well, and their removal will cause much soil disturbance with probable damage to young roses. Sowing rose seeds in open ground precludes the sterilization of the soil to a sufficient depth. Planting in pots or trays is much better in every way, except that more frequent watering is needed. The young plants are delicate and must never be allowed to become dry. Small seeds should be planted about one-quarter of an inch deep. Larger seeds may be covered by about half an inch. The soil should be at least four inches deep in the pots or trays, and firmly pressed. Crocks should be used to ensure good drainage. The sowings are made in such a way as to be easily marked-one cross to each pot or to each row in a tray. The seeds are placed at least one inch apart, and the soil is well saturated with water after planting, but thereafter is kept just moist. Uniform moisture and cool soil are ideal for germination. Light is unnecessary in the early stages. Some varieties always germinate slowly, others are moving in as short a time as ten days, especially some after-ripened seeds. The trays should always be kept at least two years. A few seeds take as long as five years to germinate. |
