Asimina Seed Germination Observations

I checked on my pawpaw seeds again.  Before, only 3 seeds had germinated.  Today, there were 9 germinated seeds.  All but one of the germinated seeds had the seed coat removed.  This makes me think that removing the seed coat hastens germination.  Lord willing, next year I can do some controlled experiments or trials with germination of seeds without the seed coat versus seeds with the seed coat.  I have concluded that cold storage for 82 or more days is sufficient to break seed dormancy.  Wrapping the seed in a wet paper towel and then a plastic bag is sufficient to maintain the moisture levels of the seed while in cold storage.  The sweet spot for seed germination is 37 to forty days, at least for seeds without a seed coat.  The roots have grown 1 inch in 2 days.  I wonder when the plants will push through the ground.

Asimina Triloba Germination Evidence

Three of my pawpaw seeds have started to germinate.  I had removed the seed coat of two of the seeds.  The other seed had its seed coat fully intact, but the germinating root clearly cracked through the coat.  I took the pawpaw seeds out of cold storage at different intervals, so I assume that these seeds are the ones removed from cold storage on November 13, the next November 22, the next November 28, and the last December 3.  By my calculations, these seeds require a minimum of 35-45 days to show the slightest sign of germination.  My research indicates the seed will grow a long root first.  I predict that will take until January 20.  Then it should start to push the stem.  By about mid February, I should see the plant poking through the ground.  Once the plants break though the ground, I will place them by a sunny window or under a grow light.  I know that seedling pawpaws cannot tolerate strong light, but  the window filters out some of the sun, so I think it will be okay.  From February to April, I hope to get them to grow several inches so that they are large enough to sell.  I hope to list the little plants on EBay or Amazon in April.  The youngest batch will be about 3 weeks behind the most mature batch.

Asimina Triloba Seed Sowing

Today I sowed pawpaw seeds that I have had in cold storage for about 3 months.  I planted them in 2.5" tree pots that are 10" long, which will accomodate the long taproot of the plant.  The tree pots are in plastic totes with a lid to conserve moisture and prevent a mess.  I hope that my seedlings germinate.  My plan is to plant a seedling and sell the rest online.

Fall Garden

After taking the summer off from gardening, I decided to plant a fall garden. The garden was placed in the spot where I kept my mobile chicken coops for a month. The plants seem to grow well.

I planted the garden about August 15 in the hopes that my collard greens would get big by Thanksgiving. A few plants had huge leaves and other plants not so much. I think I may want to plant a week early and increase my watering frequency next year. I also need to thin out the collards a little more. Other plants in the garden are: turnip greens, mustard greens, carrots, cabbage, kale, broccoli, and lettuce.

Fall Flowers

A mild fall and warm temperatures have caused my pawpaw trees to flower. Even so, there still seems to be plenty more buds left for the spring.

Gelatinous Gunk on Peaches

This is the first year that my Belle white peach tree has held its fruit.  Unfortunately, most of the fruit is affected by a gelatinous substance that seems to ooze out of the fruit.  I will have to research this so that I can resolve the problem for before next year's crop.

Figs on the Rebound

My figs have had a rough two years because the winters of 2013 and 201four were so cold.  Many of the branches on the established figs died back.  The unestablished figs got frozen back too the roots in the ground twice.  Even so, all my fig plants are looking pretty impressive at present.