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Re: Scarify

I recommend this non-chemical method for seeds requiring scarification:

Use a boy-scout-type knife sharpening stone. Lay the seed flat on the
stone, and rub in a circular pattern with your finger.  

For smaller legumes, very little pressure is required -- you're merely
scratching the waxy layer that keeps water out of the seed.

For harder seed, try filing a hole with the edge of the carbide stone.
Do this on an edge opposite the navel-like attachment point [hilum] of the
seed, so that the seed embryo is not damaged.

Aside from legumes, I've used the stones for native mallows [Sidalcea]
where the true seed is embedded in a corky structure.  The seeds pop out
after a little milling on the stone.

In general, I think that most seed requiring scarification should be
soaked in warm water overnight before sowing.

loren russell, corvallis, oregon

On Wed, 19 Aug 1998, patricia johnston wrote:

> Hello all,
> I am new to this list and enjoying it very much. And,,,,now my question. I
> bought some seeds from the nursery that came from Costa Rica. The name of
> the plant is Elephants Ear, (Enterolobium Cyclocarpum). The seed looks and
> feels like an uncooked kidney bean. I soaked them for a few days, as
> recommended. Also recommended is to scarify them. I tried doing that with a
> pair of pliers to slightly open them but I cracked them too much. So my
> question (finally) is, what is the proper way to scarify a hard seed, or
> any seed.
> Thanxs a-bunch
> Pat.
> 
>
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