- 1). Create a soil mix. Blend four scoops of potting soil, three scoops of vermiculite and two scoops of perlite. Add water to thoroughly moisten the soil.
- 2). Place the Arabidopsis seeds into a 0.1 percent solution of agarose solution. Because Arabidopsis seeds are so small, Dr. Hong Ma, professor of biology at Penn State University recommends that you pour the Arabidopsis seeds onto a wet paper towel instead of an agarose gel. Care will be necessary to avoid pouring too many seeds.
- 3). Use a pipette to transfer the seeds from the agarose to the soil. If you choose to use the paper towel method, place the Arabidopsis seeds on top of the soil mixture with tweezers or a wet tooth pick (the moisture will make the seeds adhere to the tooth pick). You do not need to bury the seeds in the soil. Try to keep the seeds at least 1/2-inch away from each other. You can spread them out further after germination if necessary.
- 4). Place plastic wrap over the tray. Some seeds will require cold shocking in order to germinate. To do this, store them at 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least three days (five to seven optimal).
- 5). Place the tray at room temperature under normal light. Keep the cover on the tray for two to three days. After that time, check for germination and release some moisture by opening the plastic wrap once a day.
- 6). Remove the cover five days after germination and water every other day.
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