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Soak seeds before sowing?

M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
Anyone tested soaked against non-soaked seeds to see if they have better germination rate?
I wish I could garden all year round!

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I have soaked lupin seeds in hot water.  Also Canna and Ricinus. 
    I don’t soak beans or peas.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    Lyn said:
    I have soaked lupin seeds in hot water.  Also Canna and Ricinus. 
    I don’t soak beans or peas.
     What's your soaked success rate like ?
    I wish I could garden all year round!
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    They all grew although I have successfully sown lupins without soaking. 
    I sow a few every year as they’re quite short lived perennials so always have some replacements ready.
    Thinking ahead for the perennial garden. 
    Either the Canna or Ricunus I nicked with a penknife. I think you can do that with sweet peas although I never have. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I used to do the nicking s. peas and soaking them, and then one year I couldn't be a*sed. There was no difference whatsoever in the germination.

    I've never done it since - I just sow them and water them in.   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Me too now Fairygirl, although big seeds benefit I think from nicking.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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