 Genetic diversity: The
Seed trigger
The seed trigger guarantees that the seed will germinate when conditions are
correct and not germinate (as with cultivated species) all at the same time.
A seed trigger aids wildflowers to persist for longer and adapt to local site
conditions.
Seed triggers benefit the local wildlife which times its breeding operations around
the natural calendar, just as the plant does. However it does mean that some, but not
all of the seeds and species will not germinate in the first season. Thus
insuring continuity of the flower species.
It is very important to consider seed
triggers as they allow seeds to germinate when conditions are best, often
many years after they are sown. As there are thousands of seeds in a gram,
and most will germinate when conditions are correct as soon after sowing, this
won't effect a typical seed mixture.
Germination due to seed
trigger on typical wildflower species:
|
Germination time after sowing |
Percentage of seed that may
germinate |
| 6 weeks |
60% |
| 6 months |
20% |
| 12 months |
10% |
| 2 years |
5% |
| 5 years |
3% |
| 10 years |
1% |
| >15 years |
<1% |
Where a species fails in the early years, but where the meadow is
managed correctly, the seed trigger will allow that species to
re-establish when conditions are best. Its another great reason to 'Gap
create' in a wildflower meadow,
See also Seed Treatments
Technical index: The
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By Nature for seeds, plants, advice and design.
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