January 2026

Do seeds germinate better in light or dark? TLDR – seeds germinate better in darkness and should be moved to the light once the cotyledons have popped through the soil and are opened up. Light conditions during germination are critical for many annual flowers and vegetables. The seeds of some plant species require light for […]

Does seed need sunlight to germinate? Sunlight supports the germination process by warming the soil. Although uncommon, some seeds need direct contact with sunlight to germinate. Once leaves have sprouted, sunlight is the primary energy source for plant growth through the process of photosynthesis. A seed has everything it needs to begin a new life.

Can a seed germinate without sunlight? Short answer: Most seeds do not require light or external heat to germinate; they require moisture, oxygen and an appropriate temperature range specific to the species. Light and heat act as environmental cues for some species and can strongly influence timing and success, but are not universally mandatory. Most

Do sunflowers come back every year? Most sunflowers are annuals, needing replanting each year, but certain types, like Maximilian sunflowers, are perennial and return every season. Planting them in late spring, once the soil warms, gives them the best start, especially in sunny, well-drained areas. The best time to sow sunflower seeds is in late

How long do sunflowers take to sprout indoors? Soil temperature and moisture influence how long it takes for sunflower seeds to germinate, but in most cases you should see sprouts in 7 to 10 days. Before placing the sunflowers in the vase, re-cut the stems at a slight angle under running water. This helps remove

What is the average height of a sunflower? There are 52 species of sunflowers, all native to North America and Mexico. This sunflower is 1 to 3 meters (ca. The stem is stiff, and usually coarsely hairy (see photo D), often more than 2. Plant the seeds no more than 1 inch deep and 6

Do you have to soak sunflower seeds before planting? Should i soak sunflower seeds before planting? Yes, you could soak seeds to help speed germination but not for too long, as soaking the seed in water for too long can actually stop it germinating. A good rule of thumb is 12 to 24 hours. However,

What are low maintenance evergreen shrubs for planters? Popular choices include Photinia ‘Red Robin’, Camellia, Skimmia, Pittosporum, Hebe, Choisya, and Box (Buxus) — all reliable, low-maintenance shrubs that offer lasting texture and colour. There are several late-flowering shrubs that will provide extra colour in your containers during the autumn and winter months. These include Hamamelis

Can I plant cucumbers in September in Texas? The ideal time to plant cucumbers in Central Texas is March for spring planting and September for fall planting. Harvesting would begin in May after spring planting and begins again in in November until the first frost after the fall planting. The ideal time to plant seed

Can you grow vegetables year round in Arizona? Arizona desert has two planting seasons for vegetables. We can plant them in spring and fall for year round vegetables. Use this vegetable planting guide to plan your winter vegetable garden. Use Arizona planting calendar to choose planting date. Legumes, root vegetables, greens, and vegetables like cauliflower,