How to Nick Seeds

Many varieties of seeds do best when they are nicked prior to planting. What does this mean exactly? You must break or nick a small portion of the hard shell to expose a bit of the fleshy part underneath. If the seed is extremely small, this can be difficult to do! Here are some methods to nicking seeds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pin
• Small nail clipper
• Fine Sandpaper
• Water
• Jar

1. Using a steady hand, take a small nail clipper to gently remove a tiny bit of shell from the seed. If the seed is especially small, try pricking a bit of the shell with a pin. This is the most traditional form of nicking.

2. Another method to nick seeds is soaking. Fill a jar halfway with room temperature water and place the seeds in. Then place the jar into the sun for a good portion of the day. Give the jar a firm 30 second shake 3-4 times during the day and allow to sit overnight. In the morning, you will find that bits of the hard coating have been cracked away and you are ready for planting!

3. Take one small sheet of fine sandpaper and lay the seeds on top. Place another sheet of sandpaper on top. Gently rub the top piece of sandpaper over the seeds and bottom sheet of sandpaper. This will help to remove bits of the hard shell so that you can instantly plant.

4. Plant your seeds and provide adequate water and fertilizer as normal. Enjoy your beautiful flowers!

Tips & Warnings

• Be care with the sharp objects
• Nicking is also referred to as scarifying
• Don't remove too much of the shell by nicking; you only want to remove a bit.

[langleycornwell]

on 6/22/2009 I love Moonvines and the seeds require nicking. Good suggestions.

[georgelarson]

on 5/2/2009 Good information. Thanks.