Flower Gardens

» Cottage_Garden - Acid or Vinegar Treating Seeds

(I received this question by email.)

I read in your article that some seeds recommend treatment with acid or vingar, the specific seed is what determins the treatment. There are a few hard - coated seeds that I have had trouble starting and I was wondering if ther ewas a listing of pre - treatment for seeds someplace online or in a book ?

Currently my interest is in starting Bitter Melon seeds in less the 14 days + ( which is how long it normally takes )

-- posted by Cottage_Garden

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» Cottage_Garden - Germination Temperature

Here's the answer I sent back.
Umm you could try it and see if it helps, if you have extra seeds.
The information I found in a quick search indicates germination with this plant tends to be erratic, is better in warm temperatures (80 degrees) and some gardeners find it helpful to nick the seed before planting.
I would use gentle bottom heat if you can and water with tepid water. Also, do not plant it too deep, just barely cover it and top with scant layer of vermiculite. Use a light seed starting mix -- lots of vermiculite -- so it doesn't get waterlogged and colder as a result.The heat is not so surprising as it is a tropical plant.... good luck with your seeds!

-- posted by Cottage_Garden

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» Cottage_Garden - Seed Temperatures

The article referred to in the question is Special Seed Germination Tips. I mention a few unusual ways of pretreating seeds prior to planting.

I also wrote about the most common special need seeds have -- those seeds that need chilling before they will germinate in How to Cold Stratify or Chill Seeds

Something tells me maybe I should write about germination temperatures?

-- posted by Cottage_Garden

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