Will Soaking Seeds in Water Before Before Planting Help Them Sprout?

Why Soak Seeds?

• Ideally, when you plant a seed in the ground, you'll water the area well and regularly to stimulate germination. However, hard-shelled seeds such as beet, corn, okra and bean seeds require a significant amount of water to soften the outer shell. Pre-soaking these seeds before planting will speed up germination and could reduce initial water needs.

How To

• Cover seed with very hot water, about 190 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave the seeds to soak for 12 to 24 hours as the water gradually cools. The swollen seed are ready for immediate planting. Any seed that seem unaffected or not swollen from the soaking can be re-soaked. Meat tenderizer, vinegar or a kelp solution can be added to the water to improve the water's penetration of the tough seed coat. Do not leave seeds soaking until they sprout.

Extra-heavy Seed Coats

• Although soaking most seeds is an effective method to improve germination, some seeds may need extra help. Some very hard seeds such as palm, magnolia or dogwood seeds have such a thick, hard seed coat that the coat must be altered in order to germinate. Nicking the seed coat with a knife or rubbing the seed between fine sand paper will help the water get through these extra-heavy seed coats.

Planting

• Pre-treated seeds must be planted immediately. They can be dry to the touch but cannot be left to dry completely. Small seeds can be difficult to handle after soaking. Placing them in a squeeze bottle with water and swishing them around in the water as you go will make planting them much easier.