Seeds were sown in containers (280 mm × 190 mm) filled with germination sand [Rolfes Silica, 0.4–0.85 grading; dry graded silica sand (SiO2, 98% Fe2 O3 0.18%)] moistened with distilled water for small seeds (0.0675 l kg−1 sand) and large seeds (0.4675 l kg−1 sand)