Mums are one of the most popular fall flowers. Their colorful blooms can brighten up any garden. While most gardeners buy nursery-grown mums, it is possible to grow them yourself from seeds. But what do mum seeds look like?
In this article, we’ll explore the appearance of mum seeds. We’ll look at their size, shape, color, texture, and anything else that makes them unique. Knowing what mum seeds are like can help you make sure you can successfully start them.
Shape of Mum Seeds
Mum seeds are usually round, but they can also be oval or oblong. This is because the round shape helps the seed coat protect the embryo inside. The shape of the seed can vary a little depending on the type of mum.
Overall the rounded, oblong shape makes the seeds easy to handle and sow The smooth shape means they can move freely through seed sowing equipment without getting stuck
Size of Mum Seeds
Mum seeds are quite small. They are usually 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. Depending on the type, some may be a little bigger or smaller. Any mum seed that is more than 2 mm across would be considered big.
The tiny size allows many seeds to fit in a packet. But it also makes them challenging to handle. Care must be taken not to spill mum seeds while sowing. Tweezers can help pick up individual seeds.
Color of Mum Seeds
The most common color for mum seeds is a light brown. However, the exact shade can vary from golden brown to reddish brown. Darker brown or black seeds can also sometimes occur.
Occasionally white or cream colored mum seeds may be seen. But brown is the predominant color. The brown color comes from compounds in the seed coat that help protect the seed.
Texture of Mum Seeds
Mum seeds have a hard outer shell or seed coat. This gives them a smooth, glossy texture. When you touch them, they feel solid and firm, like a grain of sand.
The seed coat needs to be hard and tough to protect the seed embryo inside. Soil particles won’t easily damage it during germination. The smoothness allows the seed to slide into soil cracks without sticking.
Distinguishing Features
Under magnification, small ridges or lines may be visible on the seed coat surface. These help distinguish mum seeds from other similar sized seeds.
Another distinguishing feature is the location of the embryo. In mum seeds it sits lengthwise, following the oblong shape. A tiny new plant is visible inside the seed.
Key Takeaways
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Mum seeds are oval or oblong in shape with a rounded profile. This helps protect the embryo.
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The seeds are small, usually 1-2mm in diameter. Larger seeds over 2mm are uncommon.
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Light brown is the most common seed color, but shades vary from golden to reddish brown.
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A hard, glossy seed coat gives mum seeds a firm, smooth texture. This protects the embryo inside.
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Distinguishing features include tiny ridges on the coat and an oblong embryo inside.
Knowing what to expect when starting mum seeds helps ensure proper sowing and care. Their tiny size and specific shape signal techniques needed for success. With this knowledge, growing mums from seeds can expand the garden palette.
Why Use Grass Clippings in Garden Beds?
Grass clippings are a rich source of nutrients that can benefit your garden beds in several ways:
- Nutrient-Dense: Grass clippings have important nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that plants and soil need to grow.
- As grass clippings break down, they add organic matter to the soil, which makes it stronger, better at holding water, and better at letting air flow through it.
- Weed Control: A thick layer of grass clippings can be used as natural mulch to stop weeds from growing, so you won’t have to use as many herbicides.
- Moisture Retention: Using grass clippings as mulch helps keep water in the soil, so you don’t have to water as often.
- Cost-effective: Instead of buying commercial products, you can use grass clippings as mulch and natural fertilizer.
Will grass clippings attract pests or rodents?
When applied properly, grass clippings should not attract pests or rodents. However, it’s important to avoid creating thick, matted layers that can harbor unwanted visitors.
Sifting Mum seeds 1
FAQ
How do you get the seeds from mums?
It’s important you never pick green seed heads because the seeds will not finish ripening once removed from the plant. With pruning shears, cut off the mum seeds and break them up. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel to dry for a day or two before putting them in jars that won’t let air in.
Can you save seeds from mums for next year?
Did you know you can save and replant mum seeds? It’s true! One of the best ways to save big on your fall planting and decorating budget is to save the seeds from your mums this fall. You really can plant and grow new mums from seeds next year. It’s also a lot easier than you might think!
How do you grow mums from seeds to sell?
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1. Sow seeds:Sow mum seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or directly in the garden in spring.
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2. Provide warmth and light:Mum seeds prefer a temperature of 70°F (21°C) for germination, and bright light is essential for stocky seedlings. Use a heating mat, if desired, and supplement with fluorescent grow lights if necessary.
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3. Maintain moisture:Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy during germination. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil surface.
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4. Thin seedlings:After the first set of true leaves emerge, thin the seedlings, leaving 10 inches (25 cm) between them.
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5. Transplant:Once seedlings are a few inches high, transplant them into small pots.
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6. Harden off:Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into their final location.
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7. Fertilize:Mums are heavy feeders, so provide a balanced fertilizer during early growth, and adjust the fertilizer based on soil testing.
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8. Care:Ensure proper watering, weed control, and pest and disease management.