The seeds of many plants are "equipped" with a hard, dense shell. Because it is difficult for a sprout to break through it, such seeds are called slow-germinating.
Many ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as some flowering plants such as columbine, petunia, viola, lavender, delphinium, carnation, eustoma and lupine, have seeds that are difficult to germinate. Among fruit and berry crops, these include strawberries, mint, parsnips and celery.
As the expert of the online publication BelNovosti, agronomist, landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh explains, they need special treatment.
Most often, summer residents resort to seed stratification, but there is a faster method that requires the use of boiling water.
How to sow seeds in soil that has been drenched with boiling water
Fill the containers with the substrate and water it with hot water several times (the liquid temperature should be about 70-80 degrees).
Make sure all water drains through the drainage holes to avoid waterlogging of the soil.
After this, superficially bury the seeds in the warmed soil, cover the containers with film (you can use a lid if it came with one) and put them in a bag.
To retain heat, the bag should be additionally wrapped in cloth and left on the radiator for an hour.
After this, the containers with future seedlings should be taken to a warm place where the seeds will germinate. Do not forget about the need for ventilation and soil moistening.
For reference
Seed germination is the ability of seeds to produce normal sprouts within a specified period of time under certain germination conditions.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
