Scarification is the germination of seeds. How to perform correctly

On your own countryside you can grow fresh vegetables, greens, flowers and much more. Every gardener knows how to properly germinate the seeds and take care of young shoots. But sometimes it happens that the seed does not rise for no apparent reason. Why does this happen?

The thing is that the shell of some seeds is too thick. A rudimentary rudiment simply can not get through it. To correct this situation, it is enough to make in the home conditions the scarification of seeds for dolichos (germination). This procedure does not take much time and effort.

What is scarification

When the seeds are inside dense shells, they can not independently break through and release roots. Many gardeners, not seeing the shoots, decide that the seed is damaged, and throw it away. However, do not hurry, first you need to try to perform a simple procedure.

Scarification is an artificial violation of the integrity of the seed shell. There are three types of this procedure.

Mechanical

If the seed looks completely lifeless, then it's worth trying this method. Mechanical scarification is a special way of affecting the seed coat, which is most often used on an industrial scale. In large industries, specialized equipment is used to perform this procedure. However, this does not mean that this method is not suitable for home use.

In order to produce a mechanical scarification of seeds, it is enough to take a regular nail file or a sharp knife with a serrated blade. After this, it is necessary to carefully insulate the shell of the seed. It is not necessary to cut it completely, it is enough just to loosen the peel so that the seed further independently makes its way to the outside.

Also for mechanical seed scarification at home is suitable:

• A kitchen grater;
• sandpaper;
• Coarse-grained sand.

In the latter case, it is necessary to mix the seeds with sedimentary rock and rub them with palms.

This type of treatment is suitable for the hardest seeds, which are not affected by the following type of scarification.

Thermal

Temperature treatment can also be quite effective in the case of a dolhhosa. Thermal scarification is the thermal effect on seeds. Depending on the variety of the plant, the way of such processing will differ. For example:

• If you want to germinate the seeds of sweet pea, you will need aggressive heat treatment. To do this, you must first scald the seed with boiling water, and then sharply shift it into cold water and leave it for a day.
• For hawthorn seeds, you need to repeat the procedure several times. First, the seed is placed in cotton cloth or gauze. After this, you need to prepare 2 cups (one with steep boiling water, and the other with ice water). A seed placed in a rag should be lowered alternately in a container for 30-60 seconds. The procedure is repeated until the seed coat is swollen.
• If you need to grow an even primrose, you will need to spend a little more time on "bath" procedures. First, it is necessary to soak the seeds in a glass with cold water. After that, the container should be placed for 12 hours in a warm place (for example, next to the battery), and then in a cool place. In order for seedlings to come through, it will take about 7 days.

Chemical

This method is considered very aggressive, so it is recommended to use it only in the most desperate situations. Chemical scarification is the treatment with concentrated acid. Of course, any use of chemically hazardous substances can harm both the future germ and the person. However, some types of seeds in nature germinate only after they are affected by digestive juices of birds. With dolhos at home, you can not get such a component, so you have to resort to chemical treatment.

To "capricious" cultures that do not rise until a bird lands next to it, include the dog rose and some varieties of hawthorn. To germinate them, it is necessary to prepare a 3% solution of hydrochloric or sulfuric acid and place the seed in it for 12 hours. After this, you need to thoroughly wash the seeds in warm water. During the procedure, you must protect your face and hands.

In addition, seed scarification can be performed in a safer way.

Impact

This method of scarification is considered the softest. Impression is extremely simple. Seeds should be placed in any container with a lid, fill them with coarse-grained sand (it is not necessary to add it) and shake with force. In the process of this treatment, the seeds will strike against each other and against the walls of the vessel. As a result, their peel slightly cracks, and the shoots can freely break out. This eliminates the risk of damage to the germ itself.

The disadvantage of this method is that some seeds are in a too coarse shell, which can not be penetrated by this method.