imbibition of seeds

Does anyone know where I can find information on which seeds germinate better because of imbibition?

imbibition? What is it?

It's where you soak the seeds in water before you plant them. I know this help in the germination of peas and beans but I want to know what other seeds it helps.

I don't know if you'll find a comprehensive list of seeds that need soaking--in general it'll be the ones with hard seed coats that benefit the most so you could use that as a general rule of thumb. But your best bet is to look up individually the seeds that you have and you should find info on whether soaking is beneficial for them. Some seeds benefit from nicking as well as soaking, and some are helped along by heat as well, so if you're really trying to find the best way to germinate things I'd research the individual seeds that you have.

Okra and canna are prime examples of seeds that need soaking.

I often soak anything large enough to handle. I use 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide in a gallon jug of water to soak seeds and water seedlings and cuttings. It works faster than plain water and practically eliminates damping off and any other pathogens that might be in the soil.

It cuts at least a day or 2 off the germination time and I like to know the seeds are viable rather than thinning.

Sorry to be pedantic chacha; but the strict answer to your question is "all of them". Imbibition is the name botanists give to water uptake, which is the first and essential stage in germination. In general this occurs when the seeds are placed in or on moist soil. In some seeds the process can be speeded up by soaking in water before planting. Sweet peas are often treated in this way. Your best bet is, as ecrane says, to look up each seed you're interested in individually.

Pat George

ChaCha,

Here is a link to a seed germination database that I really find very useful.
The 1st part is special instructions for certain types of seed and categories of plants, etc. Keep scrolling down and you will find the seed list with everything you need to know. I have copied this and pasted in a word document and then cut into strips with each seed's info and then put the strips in the envelope with the seeds. I find that very helpful.

Carol


http://www.backyardgardener.com/tm.html

Carol,
Thanks for the website. It looks like just what I need.

You are welcome! ^_^

I agree the answer is all of them. I know I soaked my daylily seeds and they sprouted int the soak 24 - 48 hours before planting.