Seed Germination is one of the most vital processes of a plant life cycle, and Soaking Seeds In Hydrogen Peroxide gives them a headstart!
If you are propagating plants from seeds, it is necessary that the seeds should germinate successfully. For improving the chances of successful germination, soaking seeds in hydrogen peroxide helps a lot.
Reason Why Seeds Fail To Germinate
If you want to germinate the seeds successfully, you have to consider factors other than water and soil. Seeds have nutrients stored in them, and to convert them to energy successfully, they require a significant amount of oxygen. As seeds, when you plant them, absorb oxygen through their outer coating, it becomes essential that they can do it well.
As the seeds mature, their outer shell becomes harder over time, reducing the levels of oxygen they absorb. To help them in the process, you can use hydrogen peroxide to soften down the outer layer.
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is quite popular in horticulture. It has an extra oxygen atom than water (H2O). When its molecule breaks down, this extra oxygen separates from the water, acting as a supplement to plants. It also helps in germinating seeds successfully by making them absorb more oxygen.
The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Seed Germination
Soak your seeds in a 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. Rinse the seeds several times with water before planting and plant them as usual. Doing this breaks down the hard outer covering of the seeds and kills any pathogen present on them. This allows the seeds to absorb more oxygen, helping them sprout efficiently.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide?
- Take a paper towel and moisten it with the Hydrogen Peroxide solution. Make sure that you are not soaking the towel.
- Place your seeds in the towel, wrapping them completely for 18-24 hours.
- Plant your seeds the next day into the pots.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide will shave off germination time from the seeds like corn, peas, cucumber, melons, sunflowers, squash, etc. Also, if you are growing peppers, eggplants, spring flowers, and celery; it can cut a lot of time!
