Bananas.org - Scarifying seeds?

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HoaNui

02-25-2012 11:17 AM

Scarifying seeds?

Can anyone tell me if it's of any benefit scarifying the seeds prior to soaking them? I also received some seeds with salt petre and was given the instruction to soak them for several hours in this solution prior to cooling and warming the seeds. Any thought on using salt petre too?

Thank you in advance. ;)

jmoore

02-25-2012 01:31 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

I have never tried potassium nitrate (salt petre) so couldn't comment, but I do use magnesium sulphate (epsom salts) and this has worked well for me. I am currently experimenting on different concentrations of magnesium sulphate

I don't scarify seeds I think it's the quick way to ruining your precious seeds and it's not necessary. Water will penetrate naturally if you soak them for long enough.

These links may help:
http://www.bananas.org/f30/musa-cheesemanii-13911.html
http://www.bananas.org/f30/germination-guide-3116.html

HoaNui

02-25-2012 02:16 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

Thank you for that, it's very useful. ;)

raggedyredhead

02-25-2012 04:24 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

Hi, I scarify and soak on a heating mat for four to five days. I use coarse sandpaper and
& find it's such a hard coated seed that I do very little even with sandpaper. I've gotten
only four out of 16 to germinate this way.
Raggedy

HoaNui

02-25-2012 04:43 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

I've had similar 'success' with other seeds. I'm not entirely convinced that scarifying works that well. It may be worth a try though.

Olafhenny

02-25-2012 10:21 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

I believe different seeds may well behave differently. It is therefore prudent to have enough seeds at hand
so you can try different methods concurrently. I had received seeds for three different species of palm
trees with barely enough time to get them into the soil (pots) before I left for a two months trip. I scarified
and briefly soaked them (not enough IMOEO).

I will return in just under 3 weeks and am very curious about what happened with them. I did not want to
loose more than two months germination/growing time. But just in case it is a miss I still have more seeds
in reserve. :)

sunfish

02-25-2012 11:46 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

I don't believe Scarifying seed is necessary

jmoore

02-26-2012 02:43 AM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

And let that be a lesson for everyone! :08:

eric27

02-26-2012 02:30 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

This is my experience. Some seeds beneift and some don't. If you don't chip canna seeds you will wait much longer, if you even get any germinaton. I have found Ensete seeds seemed to respond well to having been roughed up with sand paper. Musa on the other hand had no response to nicking etc.

Ultimatley the best thinsg for germination are freshness and heat.

Jim can you tell me more about your use of epsom salts with seeds?

sunfish

02-26-2012 02:32 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

I have germinated canna seed in 7 days no clipping

sunfish

02-26-2012 04:10 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

I follow the phase of the moon when sowing seed,works for me. :)
Planting by the Moon :)

oakshadows

02-26-2012 07:31 PM

Re: Scarifying seeds?

Tony you must have a "lunar" green thumb. The seedling look great. Thanks

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