nicking/scarifing canna seeds errrrrrrrrr

ok..I've got almost 30 canna seeds I want to start.
I tried holding them w/ pliers and chipping but they are to slippery. So now I'm holding w/ pliers and scraping w/ a nail file. I'm scraping till I see a bit of white-ish color. But is there an easier way ...still got about 20 seeds to go.

Yes Mjsponies, you can use a piece of sand paper and scratch them between it, or an emery board that is really rough, like they use for acrylic nails. I just soak mine in hot water over night, I never knew you were supposed to scarify them. LOL. maybe if I do, more will germinate.
Hope it helps, Linda

Yeah, I ended up just getting a tougher file. You answered another question for me....the seed germination database says to soak for 48 hours. Glad to hear I can just do 24 hours. What temp to you germinate at?

Thanks!!
mj

Last year I kept them on a heat mat, but it died before the seeding/sowing season ended for me and this year I haven't yet replaced it. This year I have germinated about 5 so far, just under flourescent lights in my kitchen. The temp in my kitchen is probably 68 during the day and colder at night. I am sure they would germinate faster if I kept them warmer, I just don't have any other spots I can set them.
Enjoy! Which varieties are you growing. I have a few seeds if you would like to trade, They aren't on my list. If you are interested, just send me a dmail. Thanks, Linda

Hej you Canna lovers. Here is a great seed sowing web site that mentions Cannas. Check it out. It does say to nick, then soak for 48 hours.

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

I put the seed on a rough sidewalk or brick patio and rub it with a sponge nail file. It is an easy, effective way to file the seed coating off.

Not sure where exactly to 'nick' my vigna caracalla seeds, frightened of harming the embryo?

coco, you can take a nail file and scrape the seed just till you see the seed coating is off. Sometimes I soak them a little first then nick as it softens the seed up a little, just gotta be careful not to go past the coating. I know if I use clippers I nip the pointed end of the seed. but sometimes I not always sure which is the "pointed end" !!

I think soaking with a hydrogen peroxide & water mix eliminates nicking all together. worked awesome for morning glory seeds

I have a brother-in-law that used a dremel tool and a pair of pliers, just touch seed lightly with a sanding disk. It worked weel as ha had 70 sprout from about 80 seeds.

there's not a health food store near me that I can get the right kind of hydrogen peroxide. It has to be food grade right?

I just used the stuff that is sold in a drug/grocery store.

Here's some info.
http://www.using-hydrogen-peroxide.com/gardening-with-hydrogen-peroxide.html

Are geraniums easy from seed?