"Nick Maclaren" wrote in message
...
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.

Thanks-that explains why I only get a poor germination with musa and some of
the seeds do rot. Next year I will follow the instructions on the packet and
soak for 24 hrs.