Seed Scarifiction

Is any one hear familiar with the process of ceed Scarifiction ,

I am mostly interested in chemical means but would like to learn about mechanical also

My understanding is that I am just trying to thin the hard outer layer of the ceed so it may sprout eazer/faster

This sounds fairly simple with a file or sand papper but my understanding is that the more uniform the outer coating is removed the better it is for the seedling by possibly causeing less stress

I will actually be working with Elderberry seed not the standard stuff , I put the post hear becouse these methods could simmply be used on almost any seed, and I thought it would receve more attention hear than in gardening. The elderberry ceeds are very small , much smaller than a canabis ceed so chemical scarifiction would likely work better for myself .

The standard chemical used in ceed scarifiction seems to be sulfuric acid , but I can not find a concentration level anywear, any ideas ? ? ? (Im quessing that the acid must also be not the 'red' but a clear ??

I have also found some reffences to people using ethyl alchool but again no concentration levels or time/temp. refences ideas ? ? ? ?

Does anyone know any alternative chemicals that may be used ? and their concentration levels at temp. / I would have to quess that the type of ceed comes into play some ceeds being thicker and larger than others ? ? ? ? ?


Any Info. and links are greatly appreciated .

Thank You

What i have heard is just taking some seeds and some sand, put them in between ur hands, and roll. It wont hurt the seed and it will grit up the outside a little.

Yes I have actually done something very simmilar with kana seeds a few years ago

I put the seeds in some sand, put the ceed/sand mix in a ball mill (no balls) with water

The seeds grew fine

Jorge Cervantes method is to glue 60 - 80 grit sand paper into a matchbox, insert seeds and give a shake.

My method is to roll a piece of 120 grit inside out
into a tube shape secure with scotch tape,
put the tube between yer fingers insert a few seeds and shake a few times.
it seems to work for me. Same as above method but simpler.

The matchbox is just most durable is all, it doesn't crush or go flat on yah.

here's a pdf on elderberry propagation using scarification and cold stratification.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/mipmctn10584.pdf

sandpaper either rolled into a tube or in a box. insert seeds and shake. Marijuana seeds don't need scarification to germinate. Ive tried it both ways and never noticed a difference in germination rates. Soaking them in a shot glass of room temp water for 24 hrs seems to be the easiest way to do it.

Thanks for the ideas

but I dont think shaking them up in a sand paper box/tube will do much , It appears that the outer seed coat is about 2/3 of the actual seed, when I put 1 up to the light the outer shell is fairly translucent . And the ceeds are so light when they do hit their will be very little friction


Dannyboy - Thank you for the document that answers about all my questions , and confirms my suspicion that a acid scarifiction is nessary for a decient germ. rate

Submerge them in piss!

LIBERTYCHICKEN said:

My understanding is that I am just trying to thin the hard outer layer of the ceed so it may sprout eazer/faster

Click to expand...

24hr sprout without this method is more than good enough in a couple of plates on a small heat, curious to why you want it sooner?