It is traditional to soak some seeds before planting them. Soaking can accelerate germination and increase the proportion of seeds that successfully germinate. Seeds have evolved a protective coating around the embryo so the embryo can survive being dispersed by some means.
Many sources recommend 8-12 hours and no more than 24 hours. Again, too much soaking and the seeds will start to decompose. If you use very hot water, the soaking time will decrease. We've always liked to use warm water and start the soaking at bedtime, then plant first thing in the morning.
Some seeds take a long time to germinate, and seed soaking can help to speed up the process. By soaking seeds in lukewarm water for 8-12 hours (some can go up to 24 hours, but never more than that), you help the seed to break dormancy and germinate faster.
Soaking will greatly increase your germination rates and the speed of the process. But, after planting, seed care is still important. Make sure you keep the soil moist and the tray warm enough to continue the hard work you put in in the beginning.
Pre-Soaking.
This method could be the fastest way to germinate seeds. Place seeds in a shallow container in warm water and leave them for 16 to 24 hours (smaller for 16, bigger for 24). Remember not to expose seeds to temperatures higher than 80°F (26.6°C) and not to pre-soak seeds for more than 24 hours.
Key Factors in Germination
The three primary factors that regulate seed germination are moisture, temperature, and oxygen. Light is also an important influence on germination in some species. Moisture in adequate amounts, as stated above, is critical during germination and seedling growth.
As it turns out, you can! Hydrogen Peroxide 3% - Oxygen PlusTM, a food-grade solution made in pure distilled water, can effectively increase germination speed and support the growth of strong, healthy plants.
One method to check for seed viability is the water test. Take the seeds and place them in a container of water. Let the seeds sit for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, discard, because they probably will not sprout.
By soaking the seed, it enables the new growth from the inside to push through the hard shell and grow. The seeds that could benefit from a good soaking include: corn, pumpkin, beans, chard, beets, and peas. The seeds you shouldn't soak include: carrots, lettuce, radish, celery, turnips, and spinach.
Too much soaking in water and a seed will drown. It is recommended that you only soak most seeds for 12 to 24 hours and no more than 48 hours. The seeds of some species of plants can survive longer soakings, but you should only do this if the specific instructions for this species recommend so.
Make sure to strain and rinse the nuts or seeds after soaking to eliminate the residual water which contains the absorbed enzyme inhibitors and toxic substances. Once you have given them a good rinse, enjoy them immediately or store them in your refrigerator for later.
Immediately after the seed soaking period is over, the seeds need to be planted out. They cannot dry out again as that would keep them from germinating at all. Be sure to know where the seeds are going and to have either your garden prepped, or seed trays ready to go when you start soaking seeds.
Almost all seeds can be pre-soaked, but it is large seeds, seeds with thick coats and wrinkled seeds that will benefit most. Small seeds benefit less and are difficult to handle when wet. Examples of seeds that benefit from soaking include peas, beets, cucumber, corn, squash, pumpkin and beans.
Hydrogen peroxide can also reduce viruses, bacteria and fungi that may be lingering on your seeds. Some claim it's a good way to prevent “damping off”, a common problem for gardeners who start seeds indoors. As the seed soaks, you should see a noticeable swelling. This is a good thing – it's taking on water.
Soaking is beneficial in two ways; it can soften a hard seed coat and also leach out any chemical inhibitors in the seed which may prevent germination. Anything from 1-3 hours in water which starts off hand hot is usually sufficient. If soaking for longer the water should be changed daily.
Seeds absorb water when soaked. This makes them soft and big. Soaked seeds germinate faster. It is also easy to cook them.
I pour hot tap water into a shallow container, empty a packet of seeds into the water, spread them out, and let them stand for up to 24 hours. Soak the seeds for any longer and they might rot. The seeds swell as water penetrates the seed coat and the embryo inside begins to plump up.
The answer is, no, you don't technically need to soak the seeds before sowing, but it sure does speed up germination big time. We are all aware that seeds in the wild can germinate without our assistance.
The majority of seeds grow most effectively in the dark. Light, which is essential for seedling growth, may actually hinder the germination process. The three primary and necessary conditions for a seed to germinate are water, oxygen, and temperature. Thus, Light is not necessary for a seed to germinate.
Take your seeds and put them in a container of water. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are most likely still viable. If they float, they probably will not sprout.
Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid, which inhibits the process of seed germination. Higher concentration of acetic acid may destroy the seed vigor and inhibit the germination of seeds. Overall, vinegar can kill the seeds, the leaf, and possibly the entire plant.
Help seeds germinate by sowing them in Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix. This is finer than a regular potting mix, so young roots have an easier time of poking through.
Seeds need to be moderately moist to sprout. Seed germination is highly dependent on watering. Too dry and they won't get the message to sprout, too wet and they will rot in the dirt.