Why I cut my seeds before I plant them

[jima]

Do this to all hard shell seeds. Another tip, you can scrape off hard skin with sandpaper or a file to expose the actual seed. It's called "scarification".

[magiccookie]

Reminds me of my botany assignment in college X). We had to grow lettuce to study early plant development and I had procrastinated a bit too long and a week to get about 30 lettuce sprouts. I remembered reading earlier in the book that soaking or nicking the seeds let you artificially stimulate sprouting so I carefully cut a crap ton of lettuce seeds and prayed. A month later I had about 200 lettuce plants

[digital_crickets]

"...to let them know I mean business!"

[ZeFeratu]

I did this with asparagus seeds last week, and they germinated with no stratification in LESS THAN 48 HOURS! I was thrilled!

[libertyblack]

How have I never heard this in 68 years? Once again...very fast....very informative ...keep it up

[Dovey]

I crack some seeds between my front teeth like you do with sunflower seeds when you eat them. One year I had an especially hard time getting some particular cantaloupe seeds to sprout. So I tried that figuring it would help the water get inside and they would sprout faster. It worked like a charm, and now I do it all the time.

[BaileyZLeone]

A nother option is to Soak the seed overnight. The seeds that flow in the morning are bad ones and the ones that sink at the bottom are healthy ones. This will also soften the shell so it'll burst out quicker.❤

[austrianshaman]

Old austrian farmers trick is to soak them in milk overnight, it makes the hull softer and gives them help in sprouting, works on all pumpkin related plants like cucumbers, zucchini, squash, luffa and similar. One day in water is great too but milk is the best, the more natural type of milk the better!

[ambermacmurtry]

This is why I use the paper towel In a baggie method for everything that doesn't specifically indicate not to. 2-5 days to germinate & then I gently replant them with tweezers. No more wasting space on seeds that don't germinate!

[cynthiaappleton]

You’re a freaking genius, I never in 1 million years would’ve thought about that. I handle my seeds like they belong in the Franklin mint.❤

[LynnAgain]

I file mine down! I learned years ago to file tough nasturtium seed and I've gotta magnificent plants ever since.

[Green.Country.Agroforestry]

I use fingernail clippers on gourd seeds .. works like a charm

[katiedavis]

Whoah! I never considered this. Going to give it a try for my fall harvest as we will need all the help speeding things up!

[Thoroughly_Wet]

Learned the same thing in HS horticulture. It is really beneficial for seeds with a thick, hard shell. You either snip or sand your way through the seed coat.

[parkscc]

Scarification! ❤ my uncle taught me about this a few years ago and it is so helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[passenger-rider]

Or you can put the seeds in a glass of water, when they sink to the bottom you take them out and put them in some moisture paper. Less risk by hurting the seeds but it’s going to speed up the process germinating the seeds.

[TheIndecisiveWigWearer]

I tested this when having to replace my green beans. I wish I could show you the pic! The ones I cut the shells ALL came up and more quickly. The ones I planted traditionally were hit or miss coming up. Thank you for this great tip!!!

[pilarosoriosGLORY]

I do this to my native trees from the Sonoran desert. Palo Verde, mesquite, huizache, ironwood. I use a nail clipper to copy what mother nature does naturally with monsoons or the digestive tract of native animals do to the seed.

[treedoor]

"You better grow fast or I'll cut off even more!"

[FatherSonHolyspirt]

Been gardening for 30 years and I never heard this. IL have to try it, thanks for sharing.