For our bigger seed types — pea shoots and sunflower — a pre-soak in water is required to ensure the best harvest possible. Both pea shoot and sunflower seeds have a large, thicker outer hull. Soaking seeds helps to speed up the germination process by weakening that tough outer layer and making it easier for the seed sprouts to break through and begin to root.
Soaking Steps:
- Tear open seed packet and transfer seeds into a strainer
- Rinse seeds with cold water — this helps wash off any foreign contaminants that might be on seed hulls
- After a thorough rinse, transfer seeds from the strainer into a medium size bowl
- Fill bowl with cold water and set a timer for 4 - 8 hours — seeds can soak for up to 24 hours, but we’ve found the best results in the 4 - 8 range
- When the timer ends, transfer seeds back into the strainer and give them a final rinse — plant immediately, do not let seeds dry back out
- Transfer into grow tray with coir, spray with water, and cover with germination lid
TO NOTE: Since you are soaking the seeds for 4 - 8 hours, we recommend beginning this step in the morning and planting in the late afternoon.
OPTIONAL
If your grow environment may be prone to mold (low airflow, high temperature and humidity), we recommend pre-soaking your seeds in a mixture of 1 Tbsp 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar for every 1 cup of water for 5 minutes max. This will help eliminate any bacteria that may be on the seed hulls. After soaking in the mixture, transfer back into the strainer, thoroughly rinse, and proceed to soak in regular cold water for the 4-8 hours.
