Seed nicking?

I've seen several references to "nicking" seeds. How is this accomplished? I know *what* it does, just not *how*.

:) thanks!

Good question Chrissy, I'd like to know too, but also what type of seeds should one nick.

I believe it's those with hard "coats" that might be hard for the germinating roots (I'm sure there's a real name for them) to break through.

Yikes, I might be waiting a looong time for some of my seeds to germinate....

There are several different methods : some folks use nail clippers and clip off a piece of the hard coat, others use a pin and poke a hole in the coat, while I use a nail file to file down the thick, hard coat in one spot.

And most seeds that benefit from nicking, also benefit from soaking prior to sowing.

Here is a good reference link for discribing which seeds need special pre-treatment: http://earthnotes.tripod.com/seeds_a.htm

'Nicking' is indeed a way to break the hard outer coating on some seeds, thus allowing for faster germination. In nature this is done by freezing , thawing, freezing, thawing, which causes the shell to crack. Most times I use either a nail clipper (for the larger seed types), or will scar the shell with a nail file.
I know others with more expertise will be by to add more info...............................

What a great site nathlyn! Thanks! I think my seeds are safe - whew!

Some seeds, especially those from places with more tropical weather, have seeds with very thick, tough shells. This protects them from rotting due to moisture entering the shell at the wrong time. By the time the shells are breached by water in the wild, it is time for the seed to germinate. We store seeds under cool, almost dry conditions so the seed doesn't begin breaking down naturally. To play catch up, we have to get through that shell so water can start the process.
The shells can be soaked in water for various times at various temperatures to soften the shells but that isn't as effective as the way Mother Nature does it so we have to puncture the shell ourselves.
This can be an entertaining and potentially hazardous experience. Don't be fooled. It isn't easy to crack that shell without damageing the plant inside or injuring yourself. Some shells are tougher than others. Some people use hammers, effective but the end product is often paste. Sandpaper can work but you have to get the seeds to stay put and I always give up. This is called scarifying. Nut crackers would be good if they came in a smaller size. The best results are with nicking. This involves using a sharp edge to shave or nick a tiny hole in the seed casing big enough to let water through to the inside. Once that happens, the plant embryo explodes in growth ( an exaggeration, for effect) and breaks out of the shell.
You will need to know if your seed needs presoaking. Usually the package will tell you, but you can look it up in a database such as Thompson & Morgan germination database. If you can't find that info, use room temperature water and soak for an hour and check it to see if any change has occurred. Any little bulge or smoothing indicates it is ready. A seed that floats is either non-viable or not ready or just too thick to crack yet.A seed that sinks can be chipped or nicked. Sometimes the soaking goes on overnight. Once the seed is ready, I grasp it in the jaws of a pair of pliers that are coated in latex. You can get one that is made with latex jaws in the jewelry supplies depatment of your local craft stores. Look carefully at the seed to locate the operculum. I guess you could call this the navel of the seed. You will get the best results by nicking at this point. Nicking at other points encourages rot. Hold the seed firmly and using a scalpel type blade( hobbly knives or Exacto ) remove the operculum or nick the shell well next to it. Place in fresh, tepid or room temperature water.
Warning: If you don't hold the seed firmly the harder seeds will wind up shooting across the room when the blade slips. You might wind up with a nasty cut if you try to hold it in your bare hands. Work at a table or workbench so you can have a firm surface for leverage and control.
Once you have done this a few times it becomes pretty routine, no more hazardous than cutting the eye out of a potato. It just takes practice.
Jessamine

Rub the seeds between sandpaper or place in a small jar with sandpaper cut to fit the inside and shake away.

All of these are good ways to "nick" seed coats. Those that especially need to be nicked are nasturtium seeds. Nasturtium seeds should also be soaked prior to planting. Here's how I do it... I soak the seeds overnight in water. The next day I drain them and then "nick" them with a sharp knife. It's easier to nick them when they've soaked. You only need a small cut and it shouldn't be deep. Just "nick" the coat. Then, while still wet...plant. Ta-da! Before you know it you'll be seeing pretty green little shoots! Works like a charm! Have fun!

What about an electric sander for large seeds such as lotus? Or a dremmel tool? I sat down and it took me more than an hour to 'nick' two lotus seeds witha knife. I lost count at how many times i nicked myself instead, LOL.

Ouch...you weren't supposed to do that. You need to be in prime shape when I get meet you. It's only 24 sleeps!
:) Donna