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British Columbia, Canada

The 275 is up and growing great! Though the other two seeds seem to have died. So I've decided to try seed soaking for the 498 and 1112.
Here's my questions: Which way is more effective, soaking them in a damp paper towel or keeping them in a cup of water?
2# How long do you leave them in the paper towel or the cup?

-Jordan

5/6/2009 7:52:58 PM

San Diego, Ca.

Jordan, this works well for me:
I sand the edges of the seed all around. I sand the pointed end of the seed heavier (to a point) but you must use extreme caution not to sand through the seed coat and damage the root tip inside. Again using caution I chip the pointed end of the seed coat off just enough to expose root tip. Be very careful!
( I sand the tip heavier to make it easier to chip it away)
Next I soak the seed in a cup for about 45 min.
Then I take 2 paper towels, fold it up until it is small enough to fit in a sandwich bag. Wet the paper towels and then squeeze out the water leaving the paper towel slightly damp but NOT wet! Partially unfold the paper towel and place the seeds inside, fold it back up then stick it in the sandwich bag. Place the bag were the temp is 80° - 90° comstantly. I've done about a dozen seeds this spring and had every seed germinate within 30 hours.

5/6/2009 9:53:23 PM

British Columbia, Canada

Great advice! I'll give it a try.

5/6/2009 9:56:39 PM

Webster, NY

Just as a little contrast, I sand everything but the seed tip. I don't trust myself not to damage it. I soak the seeds in a Dixie cup for a couple hours, but push a piece of paper towel into the cup to keep the seeds under water for the two hours. The rest I do very much like Gourdzilla.

I'm sure there are as many ways to do this as there are growers. Good luck

5/7/2009 4:12:31 AM