Seed Soaking Solution

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Rett1950 Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Oct 02, 2003

This article: http://www.greendealer-exotic-seeds.com/seeds/HowtoGrowSeed.html states that "The addition of a small amount (1/2 teaspoon per pint of water) of saltpeter (sodium nitrate) to the water may help many varieties of seed with very hard seed coats."

Other sources using Saltpeter (potassium Nitrate) for plants and food recipes caution to make sure that it's pure KNO3,

Saltpeter can be either Sodium or Potassium Nitrate.

Which is really right for a soaking solution or are they both good?

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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) Oct 02, 2003

1/2 strength Miracle Gro will do the same thing.It's used to 'awaken' old seeds that the viability is in question on.

Also soaking overnight in 1/2 strength tea will work too.

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Pardancanda "down the Shore", NJ(Zone 7a) Oct 02, 2003

Rett, it is Potassium nitrate that is used to awaken older seeds of questionable viability such as heirloom tomatoes, for example.

It might be helpful if you mentioned what seeds you are trying to sprout. Perhaps nicking the seed before soaking overnight in water would be a good method for your seeds.

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Rett1950 Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Oct 02, 2003

Great input! Thanks gang!

I will be starting all of my seeds under a grow light and have heard that it doesn't hurt to soak all seeds as a general rule and some people nick all of their seeds as well.

Some people line a bag with fine sand paper, rough side inwards, and then gently shake the smaller seeds for just a few moments.

I'd love more feedback! LOL

I haven't tried any of this yet...I'm doing my homework first! LOL

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lupinelover Grove City, OH(Zone 6a) Oct 03, 2003

Rett, some seeds have chemicals present in their seed-coats that inhibit germination. For some seeds, especially those that require cold stratification, I soak them for an hour or more in slightly more than room temperature water, then I rinse them thoroughly in a stream of running water, then put them in fresh water again to soak overnight.

And for some seeds that I can obtain fresh, doing the above, then sprouting them in a wet paper towel will eliminate the need for cold-stratification. This doesn't work on all seeds, but for certain woody plants, it is great! Especially roses. I have heard it also works for peony seeds, but I haven't tried it. I deadheaded all mine this past year, or the pods that I left didn't set viable seed :(

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