Aiden Gardens

BANANA SEED GERMINAION To begin germinating the banana seeds, soak the seed in warm water for 24 to 48 hours to break the seed dormancy. This softens the seed coat, enabling the embryo to sprout more easily and rapidly. Prepare an outdoor bed in a sunny area or use a seed tray or other container and fill with potting soil enriched with plenty of organic compost in the amount of 60% sand or airy, loam to 40% organic matter. Sow the banana seeds 1/4 inch deep and backfill with compost. Water the seeds until the soil is moist, not drenched, and maintain damp conditions while growing banana trees from seeds. When germinating banana seeds, even hardy bananas, keep the temperature at least 15 C. Different varieties respond to temperature fluxes differently. The time that a banana seed germinates, again, depends on the variety. Some germinate in 2-3 weeks while others may take two or more months, so be patient when propagating banana plants via seed

WATERMELON SEEDS GERMINATION Sow seed in cell packs or flats, 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Kept at 75-85°F., germination averages 7-14 days. Or, direct sow into prepared seed beds after all danger of frost, 6 in. apart in rows 4-6 ft. apart depending on the variety. Thin to 2 ft. apart.

PITAYA DRAGON FRUIT SEED GERMINATION Dragon fruit seeds are usually fairly easy to germinate but show variable germination rates. Fresh (undried) seeds will germinate quite rapidly, usually within just a few days. Dried seeds show longer germination periods and often germinate within 1-4 weeks, though some groups may need up to 8 weeks for germination. Plant seeds 1/4-1/2" deep in moist, sterile soil. Keep soil temperature consistent at 70-85F. Cool soils will significantly delay seed germination time and may inhibit germination completely.  Dragon fruit seeds are small and very fragile, so handle with care. Also take care in watering not to jostle the soil as seeds can become deeply buried where they may fail to breach the soil surface and rot.  Estimated germination time under optimal conditions: 1-4 weeks, though occasionally up to 8 weeks.

PASSIONFRUIT SEED GERMINATION Fill a pot that’s 4 inches across and has drainage holes with an all-purpose compost. Moisten the compost until water drains from the holes. Press each of the dry seeds into the compost. Cover each with a thin layer of compost. Lower the pot into a large zippered plastic storage bag. Seal the bag and set it in a warm space, such as your kitchen windowsill. Do not allow the compost to dry. Monitor the seeds until they germinate, which generally takes two to three weeks. Plant the individual passion vine seedlings in 3-inch pots filled with the same multipurpose compost. Dig a hole approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep before lowering the seedling and backfilling with the original medium. Maintain evenly moist soil and transplant the seedlings when they reach a height of 10 inches. Passion vines thrive in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and full sunlight to partial shade.