Are all seeds suitable for scarification?

Scarification benefits just a few seed types that have naturally hard protective coatings. Soft-coat types (i.e., tomatoes or peppers) have hard seed coats that can be damaged by scarification. Hard-coated seeds evolved impermeable barriers that scarification breaks. Understanding which seeds require treatment saves time, energy, and seed loss.

Determine if seeds are suitable based on physical characteristics. Hard-coated varieties feel smooth and shiny like pebbles. They do not absorb water during a soaking test. Soft seeds will wrinkle easily and absorb water quickly. I examine seeds under bright light before treating them.

Natural habitat hints suggest scarification requirements. Desert plants, such as cacti, formed hard coats to withstand drought. Temperate natives, like milkweed, rely on processing. Tropical seeds, like peppers, developed no such defenses. When evaluating the scarification issue, consider the origins of the plant.

June - July -2023 Conduct simple tests for unknown varieties. Soak in water for 24 hours. Hard-coated types don't swell. Scarification will be an advantage. Seeds that swell significantly do not require treatment. I test five seeds per batch before proceeding with full processing.

Scarification errors damage the wrong seeds. Tomato embryo seeds rupture when damaged. Pepper seeds rot from dermal damage. Start with something you know, like nasturtiums, and work your way through other types once you feel capable. Save your process by writing down results for future use.

Read the full article: How to Scarify Seeds: A Complete Guide