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Seed Triggers

   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

 


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