From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Tasmania Australia

Hi, just interested to know if the color of the seeds makes any difference in germination.
I have some seeds that are dark brown, some that are almost black and these seam to germinate with no issues in a incubator set at 94 F
I also have some that are white, these ones i have great difficulty in getting to germinate, most of them don't germinate at all.

Are the white seeds too young, as in not fully matured for germination?
The dark colored ones seam to germinate just fine, maybe 3 - 4 days.
All seeds were put into the incubator in separate pots at the same time with the same soil mix.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.

1/14/2016 11:33:47 PM

Corryton, TN

I wondered the same thing and did several tests a few years back. I could not determine any difference. What I did find was that with the white seeds I had a few extra hollow seeds. That I blame on myself in determining which were solid or not at the time of collection.

1/15/2016 7:14:19 AM

Frankfort Ohio

I don't really think it makes much difference the white seeds were my fastest to germinate last year I think the age of the seed is the biggest factor in how fast they germinate

1/15/2016 7:54:30 AM

Tasmania Australia

Thanks for the replies, i did get them sent from a club, so hoping they sent tested seeds and not hollow ones.
Will keep them in incubator for another week and see what happens.
Cheers.

1/15/2016 4:07:36 PM

Fenton, MI

There should be no different's in germination white or red-brown. As long as the white seed didn't come from a melon that had red-brown seeds when it was done. The color of the seeds in a melon are from the genetics.

You can also plant a white seed and get a red-brown from it. (Genetics) Most red-brown seeds go way back to the 168 Johnson seed 1998 I think is the year.

1/15/2016 5:47:22 PM