What sort of plant should I use for the experiment?

Question

I'm testing what plant will grow for the longest period of time when watered with a mixture of motor oil and water. I know that the plants will die very soon, but I'll start watering them with the water oil mixture after leaves sprout.

What plant sprouts quickly that I can buy in the bulk (seed packets)?

They will all use the same type of soil.

I am testing the different species responses.

So should I plant them in sand?

Answer 1

Are you attempting to grow different species and compare their responses? Or are you attempting to change the concentration of oil and compare concentrations of oil and water with one species?

Most of the kitchen beans (navy, lima, pinto, etc.) will grow quickly, as will popcorn. All are big seeds to handle and nice and cheap.

May I make one suggestion to you? Use plain sand for planting -- no soil or moss or potting soil mix. Organic material and clay adsorbs oil quite well, and may confound your experiments.

EDITED TO ADD:
Yes, do plant the seeds in plain sand -- it's the "gold standard" for testing seed germination. That'll be one less thing you have to worry about explaining.

Answer 2

I agree with the 2 above and suggest you grow both dicots (you'll have to look that up) such as beans and monocots such as corn or grass. (ryegrass germinates quickly).

So would grasses (monocots) tolerate oil better than flower and vegetables (dicots--generally, corn is a monocot)?

How would plants come in contact with motor oil? Surface runoff from parking lots? Are there other contaminants in parking lot runoff...like antifreeze. If grass dies from having cars parked over it is it motor oil dripping or some other factor. Are any oils used in growing and caring for plants? (yes) How is it different form motor oil?

As for seeds, you needn't go any further than the grocery store for beans.....dry beans. We know alfalfa seeds sprout quickly as we grow them for salads and sandwiches.., also oat grain, wheat grain. If you want flowers, call local nurseries......they may still have seed (or not, they are instructed by the seed companies to throw away their stock by a certain date). You could call some of the larger seed companies (like Burpee, Park, etc) to see if they have seed for you.

Answer 3

I would have to agree with answer #1. Beans sprout and grow quickly. If you are looking for flowers, I would suggest Sunflowers and perhaps marigolds