Getting seeds to germinate is not always easy, it depends a lot on the species of plant in question. Because some allow us to see the seedlings in just a few days and others can take weeks to show signs that new plant life is being generated. In any case, if you want to speed up the process, an easy and simple trick is Soak seeds before planting.
But be careful, because excess moisture can be harmful and spoil the seed. Therefore, we are going to explain how you have to do it.
Why soak seeds before planting them?
This is a very common practice in the field of gardening and agriculture, because different benefits are derived from it, as we will see below:
Germination acceleration
By soaking the seeds we get them to absorb water more quickly, and this is crucial to “awaken” the enzymes inside that are responsible for activating the germination process. Therefore, we can accelerate the appearance of the plant.
Softening of the seed shell
To protect themselves, many seeds have a hard or thick shell that makes it difficult for the seedling to emerge.
By soaking the seed, what we are doing is softening that shell, favoring the entry of both oxygen and water and, as a result, We make it a little easier for the embryo so that it can grow.
Activation of enzymes and hormones
Water sets off the enzymatic activity within the seed, breaking down the nutrient reserves it stores and converting them into food for the embryo.
Soaking is also responsible for activating the hormones of growth that favor the seed to begin its development.
Elimination of germination inhibitors
Some types of seeds are coated with chemicals that inhibit plant development until ideal conditions are met. By soaking the seed, what we are doing is eliminate this inhibitor and promote the growth of the new seedling
Improved germination rate
Soaking makes a higher percentage of seeds become seedlings. That is, it increases your success rate as a gardener or horticulturist.
Preparation for specific planting methods
There are seeds that require specific treatment before being planted, such as scarification or stratification. In these cases, soaking them is usually the first step before proceeding with that specific preparation or treatment.
How to soak seeds before planting them
We leave you some practical tips that will help you achieve better results in seed germination:
Choose the seeds well
Not all varieties need to be soaked, those that benefit the most from this process are those that are large and hard, such as sunflowers or peas. In the case of small seeds you can apply soaking, but it is not really necessary, You can put them directly in the ground.
Water preparation
The ideal is to use water at room temperature to avoid damaging the seeds. In the case of varieties that produce a gelatinous substance (as happens with tomato seeds), it will be necessary to change the water once during the soaking process to remove germination inhibitors.
Soaking method
To soak seeds before planting them, you can use any clean, non-porous container you have at home, such as a glass jar.
What you have to do is cover the seeds, so so that they are all completely submerged.
Duration and soaking time
The usual thing is to soak the seeds for 12 to 24 hours so that they absorb enough water. In the case of larger seeds, the soaking time can reach up to 48 hours, but it is not advisable to abuse this practice, because We could end up rotting the seed.
planting process
If you choose to soak the seeds, you have to plant them right after finishing this process. If you save the seeds already soaked or take a long time to plant them, The most normal thing is that they dry out or end up damaged and are no longer useful.
Soaking the seeds stimulates germination, but this does not mean that they will not need more water after sowing. plantation. It is important that you check that the substrate always remains moist but not soaked. Once the seedling has appeared, give it the water, light and nutrient care that the plant in question requires.
Soak seeds before planting using more than just water
There are synthetic and natural products that can stimulate germination and initial establishment of plants if combined with water during the soaking process:
- Gibberellic acid. It is a plant hormone that stimulates the germination of seeds that have a high natural dormancy (they find it difficult to germinate). Simply dilute a small amount in water following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Seaweed extracts. They are rich in phytohormones and bioactive compounds that promote germination and growth, improving the plant's resistance to environmental stress. To use it, you must dilute an amount of extract (as indicated by the manufacturer) in the soaking water.
- Tea infusions. Green tea provides nutrients and microorganisms that are beneficial for plant health. Prepare an infusion, let it cool and soak the seeds in it for the time indicated above.
- Hydrogen peroxide. H2O2 in low concentrations helps disinfect seeds and stimulates germination, while preventing fungal and bacterial diseases. In this case you must dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide in water, soak the seeds for a few minutes, rinse them with clean water and then let them soak in water.
- Coconut water. Coconut water is rich in natural nutrients and compounds that promote plant growth and promote germination. In this case, it is enough to soak the seeds in coconut water for a few hours before proceeding to plant them.
- Aloe Vera juice. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties protect the seeds and stimulate their germination. To enjoy these benefits, you must dilute a little juice in the water that will be used to soak the seeds.
Soaking seeds before planting increases the chances of the plant growing quickly and healthily. If you follow the advice we have seen, you will surely get good results.