So I've recently started soaking seeds in lukewarm water before bed and planting them first thing in the morning. This usually gives them 8-12 hours of soaking time. I did this with the four o'clock seeds I planted this week but I have a quick question for all of you pros out there. Does the soak before you plant rule apply to all seeds? Or are there seeds that would not benefit from soaking?
I think soaking is for hard seeds like peas, beans, morning glory, 4 O'clocks etc I don't think its necessary for 'softer' seeds like tomatoes, peppers etc Soaking is to help the hard shell soften up for quicker germination
Netty is right, not all seeds need to soak. I go by the size of the seed--beans, cucumber, squash, peas of all types, and bell pepper seeds get soaked. Smaller seeds, no. To speed germination I plant the seeds, water their area well, and then cover with soil and water again. I don't soak herb seeds since they are smaller and devilishly hard to plant when they are wet and clumped together (ignore the parsley packet's advice to pre-soak the seed. I speak from sad experience).
Tropical seeds can take an age, its the temps I can’t maintain. Flower seeds should be easy enough. Someuse a heat mat inside a seed tray. K
