Starflower Foundation Quick & Easy Habitat Education Activities Growing Native Seeds Developed by Heidi Bohan/ Starflower Foundation Description: Students propagate native plant seeds using techniques that replicate natural seasonal dispersal of the seed. The seedlings can be used for the Plant Growth Monitoring activity and for stewardship activities such as enhancement plantings, fundraisers, or donations to other restoration projects and nurseries. These native seedlings offer a real world comparison to the hybridized rapid-cycling Wisconsin Fast Plants used in activities for the Plant Growth and Development science kit. Objectives: Students understand that careful observation of natural processes can help to answer questions and solve problems. Students understand that seed dispersal type influences successful germination and growth. Print Materials: How-to-do Activity: Native Plant Seed Propagation Kit Materials: Samples: Seed Dispersal Type Samples (from Seed Dispersal Sort activity) Starflower Plant ID cards of the plants to be propagated Teacher supplied: Seed to grow (field collected or from suppliers) Propagation supplies as needed for seed species (See How-to-do Activity ) Adult helper/s to assist with planting Live plants, or photos of mature plants to be propagated 3-8 Third Grade 45-60 minutes + ongoing care Outdoors: November-March Vocabulary Duplicate: to resemble another; to produce something equal to Native plant: a plant species that has occurred in Washington before European contact 300 years ago Propagate: to cause to increase or continue by reproduction Washington State EALRs Science 1.1.5 Understand physical properties of Earth materials. Explain how some Earth materials are useful to living things (i.e. water and soil for growing plants). 1.1.7 Understand the life cycles of plants. Observe and describe the life cycle of a plant. 1.3 Changes: Understand how interactions within and among physical and living systems cause changes. 2.1 Investigating Systems: Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to do scientific inquiry. 2.1.2 Understand how to plan and conduct simple investigations. Science Kit: Plant Growth & Development Before Activity: Select seed species and propagation technique best suited for educational goals, schedule and potential use (see How-to-do Activity and consult with the project stewardship group). Set up propagation stations with supplies. Activity Gather in habitat or propagation area. Show samples of native plant seeds. Discuss dispersal type. Review Why do plants have different dispersal types? (see Seed Dispersal Sort activity) Discuss what seeds need for successful germination (soil, water and sun in the right combination). State that, Seeds can successfully germinate if they find a good place to land and grow. Tiny, fluffy seeds that drift through the air and land in clearings have different needs than heavy seeds that fall to earth under the parent plants. Some seeds need cold for a long period in winter to break dormancy to germinate; some seeds need to be chewed to be exposed. We can learn and copy these processes ourselves after carefully observing how seeds naturally disperse and grow. Seeds that fly through the air, or are carried by animals, can be scattered thickly on the surface of soil and covered lightly with finely shredded leaves; seeds that drop to earth should be planted in loose soil duff (potting soil) and covered with shredded leaves; seeds that are eaten by animals may need to be soaked or have their thick outer skin opened. Discuss that, It is also important to think about how and when to plant seeds; plants that naturally reach the ground in fall and are covered by fallen leaves should be planted in fall with a leaf mulch; tiny seeds that remain on the plant until they fall to the earth in spring, should be planted shallowly on top of soil in spring after being in the cold air all winter; seeds that are heavy and fall to earth in fall, should be planted fairly deeply in mulched soil. People who grow plants learn to observe these naturally occurring details and replicate them to successfully grow native seeds. Look for examples in the habitat area and ask students to make their own observations about how a seed might naturally plant itself. Show the seed species that students will plant. Show examples of the species when mature (Plant ID cards or plants in the habitat area). State that, Different kinds of seeds have different propagation requirements. Discuss different sowing preferences for the seed species the students will be planting (see How-to-do Activity, page 4) Ask, How do these sowing preferences replicate the natural seed dispersal method? Compare and discuss. Demonstrate correct planting techniques (see How-to-do Activity ). Form students into teams for planting at stations. Label planting containers or direct sown locations with student or team names, and date of planting. Follow up with care as needed for propagated seedlings (see How-to-do Activity ). Student journal: Record the seed species, dispersal type, and propagation steps used to plant their seeds. Extension: Analyze dispersal types and seasonality. Use these observations to predict outcomes to plan a propagation trial for seeds gathered from natural areas.
The Basics Native plant seeds prefer to be treated as naturally as possible and are generally not adapted to being harvested, dried and stored as we do with our garden seeds. Observing the natural process and seasons of seed dispersal, along with soil and habitat preferences for each species, and then replicating these natural processes and conditions, as closely as possible, encourages the highest germination rates. Field Collected Seed In most cases, it is best to use freshly harvested seed and sow as soon as possible. Seed can be harvested from many natural areas. Make sure to get permission from property owners and only harvest what you need (usually very little). Fresh seed can be held in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for several weeks. Seeds that tend to be air dried on the plant by the end of summer can be collected, dried naturally in paper bags and put in cool storage for a longer period if needed. Field collected seed should always be labeled with the species name, the date collected and where it was collected. Note that it is best to plant seed that is native to the watershed being restored thus helping to maintain genetic diversity. Germination Most native seeds need a period of cold stratification in order to break dormancy and germinate. This can be done by storing in a refrigerator or by simply planting the seed in the fall and letting the seed over-winter outdoors in flats. Covering seed flats with shredded leaves of the parent plant offers additional protection from the elements and duplicates natural mulching. Partly burying flats in soil or bark can help to further stabilize soil temperature. Some native seeds, such as berries and hips depend on wildlife to open fleshy seed cases. Therefore these seeds need to be macerated (softened and separated) and the pulp separated from the seed. This is most easily done in a bowl of water, which helps to separate pulp from seed. If fruits have dried they will need to be soaked before macerating. Be patient, native seeds often germinate sporadically over a long period of time in spring, one of their survival adaptations. Once seeds have germinated make sure flats have plenty of air circulation and remain moist while avoiding over saturation. Provide sun/shade conditions that replicate the needs of the particular species. Transplant into 4 pots or directly into the habitat area once seedlings have at least 2 sets of mature leaves. Wild rose species Oceanspray How-to-do ACTIVITY Growing Native Seeds Native Plant Seed propagation Common Native Seeds Vine maple Oregon grape Photos by Heidi Bohan Goldenrod Sedge species Native grass species 3-8a How-to-do Activity: Growing Native Seeds Starflower Foundation 2006
How-to-do ACTIVITY- Growing Native seeds Page 2 Where to Plant Seeds? 4 pots are best for seeds with high germination rates. Pots can be sown with seeds, and extra seedlings thinned after germination. Seedlings from flats or the field can also be transplanted into 4 pots. Flats are useful for all seeds especially those with low germination rates. They can be sown with seed in rows, or scattered over the entire surface. After the seeds germinate and grow they can be transplanted into larger containers (woody plants) or directly into the project (herbaceous plants). Direct sowing into the habitat area is best for herbaceous species with high germination rates. Sow in small labeled areas in order to distinguish from non native or other plant species. This can be an easy and effective way to enhance existing plantings. Standard flats are 12 x24. Make sure the bottom has drainage holes (make holes if needed). A standard flat generally holds 18 4 pots. 3-8a How-to-do Activity: Growing Native Seeds Flat with seed cloth covering to stabilizes temperature and protects from animals. Use clothespins to hold in place. Labels can be made from plastic dairy containers or popsicle sticks. Use indelible markers for writing. Direct sow seeds into areas that are already planted to help fill in. Prepare 2-4 diameter plots using small trowels. Seed and label as shown. Illustrations by Heidi Bohan Starflower Foundation 2006
4 pots in a flat How-to-do ACTIVITY- Growing Native seeds Page 3 Seed tray in a flat How to Plant Seed Fill the containers with a potting soil mix and gently drop the container from several inches to settle the potting soil (do not compress with hands). Containers should be filled to about 1/4 below the rim. Plant seed to the depth specified for the species (see page 4). If uncertain, plant to a depth equal to twice the seed size. Use a stick or pencil tip to create holes or planting rows. Use fingers to place seeds. Plant thickly and plan to thin or transplant if necessary. Cover loosely with soil and gently pat in place. Label immediately with plant name, date, and student names (optional). 3-8a How-to-do Activity: Growing Native Seeds Flat Caring for the Flats Cover with seed cloth, also called row cover which is widely available at garden centers. This is particularly important for the success of native plant seeds which require long periods of cold stratification, leaving them exposed to animals and weather temperature extremes for long periods. Mulch with very finely shredded leaves to give added protection for larger seeds, such as maple and Oregon ash, and to help retain moisture. Place flats against a south (best), east or west facing wall or rock, ideally with shrubs or tree cover to provide protection from winds and sun. Embed flats in a bed of wood chips, soil or mulch which will help improve germination rates by stabilizing soil temperature. Bird cloth suspended over the flats can add one more level of protection from birds, animals and people. Water flats if they become dry. However, normal rainfall should provide enough moisture for the flats through winter. If holding the flats through summer, it may be advisable to place flats in a partly shady spot. PVC pipe can be used as a frame to hold bird net. Clothespins help hold seed cloth. Photos by Heidi Bohan Starflower Foundation 2006
Suggested species Collection Sowing preference Information Berries Mahonia, Vaccinium, Cornus, Amelanchier, Sambucus, Gaultheria, etc. Douglas or Oregon Iris Iris douglasiana, Iris tenax Yarrow Achillea millefolium Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea Aster species Goat sbeard Aruncus dioicus Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Grass species Deschampsia cespitosa; Festuca idahoensis or F. romeri; other native species Oceanspray Holodiscus discolor Red Columbine Aquilegia formosa Sedge species Carex obnupta Carex volpinoides; other native species Maples Acer circinatum Acer macrophyllum. Wild Rose Rosa nootkana Rosa gymnocarpum How-to-do ACTIVITY- Growing Native seeds Page 4 Harvest ripe or dried berries from plant. Separate seeds from pulp as much as possible (soak if necessary). Sow immediately, or refrigerate for several weeks, or dry and store. Shake seeds out of pods into bags. Sow immediately or dry and store. Harvest seedheads in fall. Separate the seeds by rubbing and blowing away the chaff. Dry store in a refrigerator or harvest fresh in late winter and plant immediately. Gather the seedheads in late summer before the seeds have scattered. Dry and store in paper bags in the refrigerator or plant immediately. Gather seed from many plants as some plants are infertile males. Sow immediately or dry seed clusters and refrigerate. Gather clusters in fall. Sow immediately or dry and store. Gather seed in late summer and fall. Dry and store in cool place. Collect seed in fall from many plants, viable seed will be less than 10%. Sow immediately or dry and store in refrigerator. Collect seed by shaking pods into a bag, or purchase commercially. Sow immediately or dry and store. Gather seed heads in fall, and separate seeds. Sow immediately, or dry and refrigerate. Collect winged seeds in fall. Separate helicopters into separate winged seeds. Collect hips in fall to winter. Macerate and separate seeds in water. Sow immediately or dry and refrigerate. Sow late summer to winter, plant seeds thickly in flats, cover seeds twice as deep as their size. Mulch lightly with shredded leaf. Sow fall through winter in flats. Plant thickly. Keep moist in sun or shade. Sow early spring, scatter seeds thickly on loose potting soil, and cover very lightly with soil or compost. Sow fall and over-winter, or plant in spring,. Plant seeds thickly on top of loose potting soil, and cover lightly with compost or shredded leaves.. Sow fall to early spring in flats, pots or direct sow. Scatter seed in flats on potting soil, fall to late winter; or direct sow once soil is warm Sow fall to spring in flats, pots or direct sow. Surface sow fine seed on general mix. Sow fall to spring in flats, pots or direct sow; cold period not needed but OK. Sow in fall to over-winter. Scatter seeds generously in flats on planting mix. Gently pat into soil. Cover with a light dusting of potting soil. Sow fall to late winter. Over-winter or pre-chill for 3 days. Scatter evenly in flats, or direct sow. Cover with thin layer of soil. Keep moist. Fall to winter, sow seeds 1/8 deep in flats of potting mix, or containers. Keep wet through winter. Plant seeds thickly in rows by nosing the winged seed into planting mix about 3/4. Some of the wing will still be showing. Cover with shredded maple leaves or leaf mulch. Separate seed from pulp. Prechill 6-8 weeks or over-winter out of doors. Sow seed in general seed mix and cover to depth of seed. Slow growing but often best propagation method for species. Germination rates vary. Transplant into 4 pots when true leaves appear. Moderate germination rates. Transplant in one year. Easy germination. Transplant in late spring or early summer. Easy to germinate. Fast growth. Germinates when ground warms in spring. Cover with light layer of leaf mulch. Moderate germination rates if fertile seed. Easy to germinate. Fast growth. Germinates in 2-3 weeks at 55-70 degrees F. Easy germination. Fast growth. Easy to transplant new seedlings directly to site. Mulch with very light layer of shredded leaves. Germination will take place over spring and summer. Grows well from seed Easy to germinate. Will germinate in early spring. Fast growth. Germinates in spring. Transplant in one year. Germinates slowly in spring. Transplant in late fall. 3-8a How-to-do Activity: Growing Native Seeds Starflower Foundation 2006