This method also takes the guesswork out of knowing if your seeds have germinated since you can easily observe them. To use this method: Soak the seeds in water for 8 to 24 hours. Tear a paper towel (preferably Bounty) in half and moisten one of the halves. Place the seeds on half of the paper and fold the other half over the seeds. Then place in a zip-lock bag and provide a warm place. When the seeds germinate, place them in the growing spot or pot to continue to grow.
Soaking is beneficial although it depends on the seed as to how long and whether it needs nicking. I only start seeds to bloom them so my focus has been intense on germination. I pretty much have a system. Ipomoea nil seeds can be soaked in water after 8-24 hours. If they haven't swelled within 8 hours then I take them out of the water and nick them. Which I use a cuticle nipper and chip the seed coat. I watch them closely because after nicking and placing them back in the water usually causes them to swell very quickly. For very large seeds like Ipomoea setosa and tuberosa. I knick and soak until they swell. It really depends on what the seed is. For example... Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) seeds I take the seed out of the hard seed shell and they germinate within 24 hours after soaking for a few hours.
I have only sown 2 Ipomoea seeds in soil....Ever 😅 Also I have never had a ipomoea seed take longer than 3 days to germinate given perfect condition to do so. Ipomoea tuberculata was the trickiest although I have germinated every seed I started of them. They have a double seed coat, have to nick the brown and then the white coat underneath. If both are nicked properly it will germinate within 24 hours after soaking and swelling. Also I always cover my seeds on the inside of a folded paper towel.
Other Helpful Growing Tips:
Most seeds can be stored in the refrigerator, and can withstand cold treatment. Annual flowers and vine seeds usually germinate without any cold treatment. Very tiny seeds (like snapdragons) can be sown right on top of the growing medium surface for germination. Hard coated seeds can benefit from being nicked and soaked in water before sowing. For example, Morning Glory seeds germinate faster when soaked before sowing. Seeds that benefit from cold treatment are usually Cold Hardy Perennials. They can be winter sown in the ground or prepared indoors. Keep in mind when sowing seeds indoors the key is: You are trying to duplicate how germination occurs in natural conditions for that particular plant. For preparing indoors, soak the seeds for 24 hours. Then place the seeds in a zip-lock bag in the freezer (very cold hardy plants) or in the refrigerator (semi-cold hardy plants) for 6-12 weeks until ready to sow. Therefore they will already be cold stratified and ready for sowing indoors. Always use good seed starting soil when trying to start new seeds. Purchased seed starting medium has the adequate growing nutrients for starting seedlings. Viola seeds benefit from darkness when germinating; others may need light and high warmth. Therefore do not cover seeds with soil and provide bottom warmth. Remember to keep the seed starting medium moist until germination.
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