That trick with soaking seeds before planting actually works on 3 types I tried

I have always struggled getting those older packets of seeds to sprout, especially my morning glories and sweet peas. After watching a YouTube video from a guy in Oregon, I started soaking them in warm water for about 8 hours before putting them in the soil last spring. Out of 20 seeds I tried it on, 17 popped up within 10 days, which is way better than my usual 50% rate. Has anyone else had success with specific seeds that need this treatment?

2 comments

2 Comments

clairem4714d ago

oh yeah the soaking thing is definitely not for every seed out there. i tried it with some old lettuce seeds once and they just got all mushy and gross, never sprouted. you gotta be careful with the tiny seeds, they don't like being wet like that. morning glories and sweet peas are hard coated so they actually need that warmth and moisture to break through. some seeds actually need cold treatment instead, like a lot of the native wildflowers around here. i think people get too excited and soak everything, which can do more harm than good.

grace_knight7014d ago

oh totally agree with the getting too excited and soaking everything part. i killed a whole batch of lavender seeds that way last spring because i thought theyd love a nice warm soak. turns out they need that cold treatment you mentioned, like a month in the fridge. now i always check the seed packet first or look up specific instructions before i do anything. makes a huge difference especially with the little fussy ones like poppies or carrot seeds.