This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

Re: Soaking seeds in Bleach, how much/how long

I too, have seen this method written up. I got the general impression that
the concentration and the duration where related to the difficulty in
germination. The more difficult to germinate, the longer and stronger the
soak.
BTW, I also a recent article (FIne Gardening, I think) which loudly stated
that any kind of scarfication was useless, and the only effective method of
hastening gernination was soaking.
I would less concerned about the rinsing. I use a strong bleech solution to
disinfect my seed starting containers. I never bother to rinse them and
sometimes they are used still wet. In any event why distilled water.
Ordinary water is used to water the seeds after germination. The only reason
which I can think of for the rinsing and the use of distilled water, is to
keep any experimental conditions "clean" (no other contributing factors)
Jean W
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven McCauley <scutells@teleport.com>
To: seeds-list@eskimo.com <seeds-list@eskimo.com>
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 7:24 PM
Subject: Soaking seeds in Bleach, how much/how long


>Several internet articles suggest that soaking seeds in diluted
>household bleach can help break down germination inhibitors, sterilize
>the seed and soften the seed coat.  However, I have seen at least two
>dilutions (1:9 and 1:19) and times ranging from 2 minutes to 4 hours.
>Can someone clarify what is the best dilution and time for soaking seed
>in diluted bleach?  All the web site references I found did agree on 3
>to 5 changes of distilled water afterward to remove excess bleach.
>
>Also, would a bleach soak be too dangerous to use on seed that has
>already been scarified or would you suggest scarification on thicker
>seed coats after the bleach soak treatment?  Suggestions anyone?
>
>Steven McCauley
>Portland, Oregon USA
>NARGS
>Zone 7
>
>
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index