Easy Grow
Scarification
Seeds with hard seed coats often require scarification, or scratching of the outer seed surface, to allow penetration of water into the seed itself in order to initiate the germination process. This can be accomplished by placing a single layer of seed in the bottom of a wooden box and rubbing it with sandpaper wrapped around a wooden block or sandpaper holder. Rub the seed with the sandpaper just hard enough to scratch the outer surface, being careful not to grind the seed into flour. Light pressure is usually sufficient to scarify all but the most resistant seeds. Some genera, such as Baptisia and Iris , require scarification followed by moist stratification.
Seeds with hard seed coats often require scarification, or scratching of the outer seed surface, to allow penetration of water into the seed itself in order to initiate the germination process. This can be accomplished by placing a single layer of seed in the bottom of a wooden box and rubbing it with sandpaper wrapped around a wooden block or sandpaper holder. Rub the seed with the sandpaper just hard enough to scratch the outer surface, being careful not to grind the seed into flour. Light pressure is usually sufficient to scarify all but the most resistant seeds. Some genera, such as Baptisia and Iris , require scarification followed by moist stratification.