Here is a clear and detailed Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) Seed Germination Description, suitable for gardening, farming, or academic purposes:
Bottle Gourd Seed Germination Description
Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), also known as calabash or lauki, germinates within 7 to 10 days under warm, moist conditions. The germination process begins when the seed absorbs water and the embryo becomes active.
Optimal Conditions for Germination:
Temperature: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) – warm soil speeds up germination.
Moisture: Soil should remain moist but not waterlogged.
Light: Seeds do not require light to germinate; light is needed once the seedling emerges.
Soil: Well-drained, loose, and fertile soil rich in organic matter.
Germination Process:
Imbibition: Seeds absorb water, swelling and softening the hard seed coat.
Radicle Emergence: The root (radicle) breaks through the seed coat and begins growing downward.
Hypocotyl Elongation: The stem (hypocotyl) pushes the seed leaves (cotyledons) above the soil surface.
True Leaf Formation: After emergence, true leaves appear within a few days, allowing the plant to begin photosynthesis and grow.
Tip: Bottle gourd seeds have a hard outer shell. To enhance germination, seeds can be soaked in warm water for 12–24 hours or lightly nicked or scarified before sowing.