Lawn and Garden Plants: Seeds and Propagation

Tere Davidson, Melissa DeSa, and Héctor E. Pérez

Seed saving is the art and practice of preserving and sharing seeds from desired open-pollinated plants. Saving seeds has many benefits and motivations that may include improving the adaptability of a crop to a region or microclimate, preserving cultural traditions and foods, growing for nutrient density and flavor preferences, saving on the cost of seed purchases, and connecting to local communities through seed sharing. For example, you may start saving seeds to preserve a beloved heirloom variety with flavors that remind you of home or to improve on a crop that performed particularly well. Saving your own seeds can save money, as one good growing season can produce many years' worth of seeds. This publication is for farmers and gardeners interested in producing, using, or donating seeds from open-pollinated plants. It recommends practices to produce, harvest, and store seeds from annual vegetable, fruit, and herb crops. This guidance is not intended for commercial purposes.

Alan W. Meerow and Timothy K. Broschat

The purpose of this publication is to outline and discuss the various aspects of handling and germinating palm seeds in the most cost-effective and reliable manner possible.

Danielle Treadwell, David Outerbridge, Tabitha Petri, Tabitha A. Petri, James Stephens, andJames M. Stephens

For each vegetable you plan to grow in your garden, you will have to decide whether to start it from seed, from transplants, or from plant parts. The main advantage in starting directly from seeds is that you have a wider selection of varieties and sources to choose from compared to buying transplants at a garden center. Furthermore, not all vegetables do well when transplanted, and most vegetables can be grown from seed sown directly in a garden row. This publication provides considerations and best practices for selecting and planting seeds in home and community gardens

Teagan Young and Sandra B. Wilson

Rubiaceae, a family known for its economic and ornamental significance, includes several native Florida species, such as wild coffee (Psychotria spp.). This publication focuses on identifying and propagating wild coffee species: P. nervosa, P. nervosa 'Little Psycho', P. nervosa 'Turtle Mound', P. tenuifolia, and P. ligustrifolia. These species thrive in various soil conditions and attract pollinators, making them valuable, adaptable, and appealing for sustainable landscapes and Florida gardens. Research on propagation methods revealed that while physiological dormancy makes seed germination challenging, softwood cuttings treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) showed high success rates in rooting. The publication outlines a production schedule, recommending specific substrates and misting techniques to optimize root development. It provides critical insights into enhancing the availability and cultivation of wild coffee species, promoting their use in Florida-friendly landscapes.