In article , Rupert wrote:
I occasionally come across the recommendation to soak seeds prior to sowing.
Is this really necessary--doesn't sowing seeds in moist media achieve the
same purpose?

Yes. However, some tropical and subtropical seeds are prone to
rot before germination, and soaking them can help avoid that by
speeding up germination and allowing the use of slightly drier
compost. It can help speed up germination even for some of the
northerly seeds, too.

So it isn't necessary but may help.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.