About Lesson
- Seed scarification involves breaking, scratching, or softening the seed coat so that water can enter and begin the germination process.
- In acid scarification, seeds are put in a glass container and covered with concentrated sulfuric acid.
- The seeds are gently stirred and allowed to soak from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the hardness of the seed coat. When the seed coat has become thin, the seeds can be removed, washed, and planted.
- Another scarification method is mechanical. Seeds are filed with a metal file, rubbed with sandpaper, or cracked with a hammer to weaken the seed coat.
- Hot water scarification involves putting the seed into hot water (170 to 212˚F). The seeds are allowed to soak in the water, as it cools, for 12 to 24 hours before being planted.
- A fourth method is one of warm, moist scarification. In this case, seeds are stored in nonsterile, warm, damp containers where the seed coat will be broken down by decay over several months.
Join the conversation