HOW to GERMINATE The World’s BIGGEST trees! Giant Sequoia | Coastal Redwoods

Planter Banter

18 May 202104:17

Summary

TLDRIn this informative video, the host embarks on a journey to germinate two of the world's most magnificent tree species: the giant sequoia and the coastal redwood. The process involves soaking the seeds for 24 hours, wrapping them in damp paper towel, and subjecting them to cold stratification for approximately 60 days to mimic winter conditions. Despite a lower germination rate for the coastal redwood, the giant sequoia thrives. The host plans to use a heat mat and grow lights to extend the growing season, with updates to follow. This engaging tutorial offers viewers a chance to witness the beginning of these majestic trees' growth.

Takeaways

🌱 The video demonstrates the germination process for two of the world's most spectacular tree species: the giant sequoia and the coastal redwood.
🏆 The giant sequoia is known for being the largest tree in terms of volume, with a trunk diameter that can reach over 30 feet (9 meters).
📏 The coastal redwood is recognized as the tallest tree in the world, with one measured at 380 feet (116 meters) in height.
🌲 There is a distinction between the two tree species; giant sequoias are smaller but denser, while coastal redwoods are taller and more slender.
💧 The first step in germinating these seeds is to soak them for 24 hours to initiate the process.
📄 After soaking, the seeds are placed on a damp paper towel, wrapped, and stored in a ziploc bag with holes for airflow.
❄️ A technique called cold stratification is used, which involves leaving the seeds in the bag for about 60 days to mimic winter conditions.
🌱 An alternative to the full 60 days is to remove the seeds after three to four weeks for a lower germination success rate.
🌳 The seeds are planted on top of a mix of loam and potting soil, ideally in early spring to maximize the growing season.
🌡️ The video creator is experimenting with planting in autumn using a heat mat and grow lights to extend the growing season.
📈 The giant sequoia seeds have shown a higher germination success rate compared to the coastal redwood seeds, which are struggling.

Q & A

What are the two tree species discussed in the video?
-The two tree species discussed in the video are the giant sequoia and the coastal redwood.
What makes the giant sequoia seeds unique?
-The giant sequoia seeds are unique because when fully grown, they become the largest trees in the world in terms of volume, with a trunk diameter that can reach over 30 feet or approximately 9 meters.
What is the distinction between the giant sequoia and the coastal redwood in terms of height and volume?
-The giant sequoia is known for its massive volume but is smaller in height compared to the coastal redwood, which is the tallest tree in the world, reaching up to 380 feet or around 116 meters in height.
What is the first step in germinating the seeds as shown in the video?
-The first step in germinating the seeds is to soak them for 24 hours.
Why is it important to separate the seeds during soaking?
-The seeds are separated during soaking to prevent them from getting mixed up when they are planted.
What is the purpose of placing soaked seeds on a damp paper towel?
-Placing soaked seeds on a damp paper towel helps to maintain the necessary moisture for germination and prevents the seeds from drying out.
What technique is used to replicate winter conditions for seed germination in the video?
-The technique used to replicate winter conditions for seed germination is called cold stratification.
How long are the seeds left in cold stratification according to the video?
-The seeds are left in cold stratification for around 60 days.
What is the minimum duration for cold stratification if one cannot wait for the full 60 days?
-If one cannot wait for the full 60 days, the seeds can be taken out after three to four weeks, although the germination success rate will be lower.
What type of soil mix is used for planting the seeds after stratification in the video?
-A mix of loam and potting soil or potting mix is used for planting the seeds after stratification.
What is the best time to plant these seeds according to the video, and why is the video's author deviating from this?
-The best time to plant these seeds is in early spring to maximize the growing season. However, the video's author is experimenting by planting in autumn, using a heat mat and grow lights to extend the growing season before dormancy.
What is the germination success rate for the giant sequoia seeds in the video?
-The giant sequoia seeds are doing fantastic, indicating a high germination success rate in the video.
What challenges are faced with the coastal redwood seeds during germination in the video?
-The coastal redwood seeds are struggling with germination, having a lower success rate compared to the giant sequoia seeds.
What tools does the author use to help the seeds grow through autumn and winter?
-The author uses a heat mat and grow lights to help the seeds grow through autumn and winter.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Germinating Giant Sequoia and Coastal Redwood Seeds

In this video, the host introduces the process of germinating seeds of two majestic tree species: the giant sequoia and the coastal redwood. The giant sequoia is noted for its immense volume, with trunk diameters potentially exceeding 30 feet (9 meters), while the coastal redwood is celebrated as the tallest tree species, reaching heights of up to 380 feet (116 meters). The host clarifies that these trees belong to different genera and have distinct characteristics. The video will demonstrate the germination technique used for both species, starting with a 24-hour soak to begin the process.

🌲 Cold Stratification: Replicating Winter for Seed Germination

Following the initial soaking, the seeds are placed on a damp paper towel, wrapped, and stored in a ziploc bag with holes for airflow to facilitate cold stratification. This technique mimics winter conditions and is essential for the germination of these tree seeds. The host suggests leaving the seeds in this state for approximately 60 days, although a shorter period of three to four weeks is acceptable if patience is lacking, albeit with a lower germination success rate. The anticipation of seeing the seeds sprout after this extended period is palpable, and the host shares their excitement by cracking open a beer in preparation for planting.

🍂 Planting in Autumn: An Experiment with Seasonal Variation

The host deviates from the norm by planting the seeds in autumn instead of spring, aiming to extend the growing season using a heat mat and grow lights to simulate optimal growing conditions throughout autumn and winter. This experiment is juxtaposed with a more traditional approach of planting in spring, which will also be demonstrated with another batch of seeds. The video captures the moment of planting the seeds on a mixture of loam and potting soil, with the hope of an extra long growing season before dormancy sets in the following winter.

🌳 Monitoring Germination and Anticipating Growth

The host provides a progress update on the germination process, noting that some seeds have germinated within a week, while others may take up to six weeks. The giant sequoia seeds are thriving, but the coastal redwood seeds are facing challenges, with a lower germination rate observed. The use of a heat mat and grow light is highlighted as a crucial element for nurturing the seeds through the colder months. The host expresses excitement for the experiment and promises to share updates on the seeds' progress in a few weeks, inviting viewers to subscribe for continued insights into this botanical endeavor.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Germinating

Germinating refers to the process where seeds begin to grow into new plants. In the context of the video, the host is germinating seeds of the giant sequoia and coastal redwood, two of the most spectacular tree species. The script mentions soaking the seeds for 24 hours as the first step in the germination process, which is crucial for initiating growth.

💡Giant Sequoia

The giant sequoia, scientifically known as Sequoiadendron giganteum, is one of the most massive tree species on Earth in terms of volume. The video script highlights that when fully grown, these trees can have a trunk diameter of over 30 feet, or approximately 9 meters. The host is demonstrating the germination of these seeds, which is an essential step in cultivating these majestic trees.

💡Coastal Redwood

The coastal redwood, or Sequoia sempervirens, is renowned as the tallest tree species in the world. The script mentions that one such tree was measured to be 380 feet, or about 116 meters, in height. The video is about germinating these seeds, and the host compares the growth characteristics of coastal redwoods with those of the giant sequoia.

💡Volume

Volume, in the context of trees, refers to the amount of space a tree occupies, often calculated by measuring the trunk diameter and height. The video script specifies that the giant sequoia has a significant volume, with a trunk diameter that can reach over 30 feet, making it one of the most voluminous tree species.

💡Cold Stratification

Cold stratification is a technique used to simulate winter conditions to break seed dormancy and promote germination. The script describes this process as leaving the seeds in a damp paper towel inside a ziploc bag with holes for airflow for around 60 days. This method is crucial for the successful germination of the giant sequoia and coastal redwood seeds.

💡Loam

Loam is a type of soil that is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, along with organic matter, making it ideal for plant growth. In the video, the host mixes loam with potting soil to create a suitable growing medium for the germinated seeds of the giant sequoia and coastal redwood.

💡Potting Soil

Potting soil is a specially formulated soil mix designed for container gardening and is often used to provide plants with the necessary nutrients and drainage. The script mentions using potting soil in combination with loam to plant the seeds, indicating its importance in the germination process.

💡Heat Mat

A heat mat is a device used to provide warmth to the soil, which can be beneficial for seed germination and plant growth, especially during colder seasons. The video script describes the use of a heat mat to give the seeds an extra long growing season before they go dormant the following winter.

💡Grow Lights

Grow lights are artificial light sources used to supplement or replace sunlight for plants, which can be particularly useful during seasons with less natural light. The host in the video plans to use grow lights over autumn and winter to support the growth of the germinated seeds.

💡Dormancy

Dormancy in plants is a period of reduced metabolic activity, often triggered by seasonal changes such as cold temperatures or lack of light. The script mentions that the host is trying to give the trees an extra long growing season before they enter dormancy the following winter, indicating an understanding of the natural growth cycle of these species.

Highlights

Germinating two of the most spectacular tree species: the giant sequoia and the coastal redwood.

Giant sequoia seeds grow into the largest trees in the world by volume.

Coastal redwood is known as the tallest tree species globally.

Differentiating between giant sequoia and coastal redwood based on size and volume.

Soaking seeds for 24 hours as the first step in germination.

Separating seeds to avoid mixing during planting.

Using damp paper towel to wrap soaked seeds for stratification.

Placing wrapped seeds in a ziploc bag with holes for airflow.

Cold stratification technique to replicate winter conditions for seeds.

Stratification period of around 60 days for optimal germination success.

Alternative shorter stratification period of three to four weeks.

Mixing loam with potting soil for planting germinated seeds.

Planting seeds on the surface for optimal growth.

Experimenting with planting in autumn using a heat mat and grow lights.

Providing an update on seed germination progress in a few weeks.

Germination success rate varies between giant sequoia and coastal redwood.

Using a heat mat and grow light to extend the growing season.

Encouraging viewers to subscribe for updates on the experiment.