To soak or not to soak?

[Backpacker420]

I bought 5 feminized Hollands Hope from Gypsy Nirvana and they came with 15 Sam the Skunkman's Original Haze x Skunk.

Should I soak them overnight, put them in paper towels, or just stick them directly in the dirt??

What are the pros of soaking? Are there any cons?

Backpacker420 Reviewed by Backpacker420 on 04-21-2010. To soak or not to soak? I bought 5 feminized Hollands Hope from Gypsy Nirvana and they came with 15 Sam the Skunkman's Original Haze x Skunk. Should I soak them overnight, put them in paper towels, or just stick them directly in the dirt?? What are the pros of soaking? Are there any cons? Rating: 5

[WashougalWonder]

Just put them in moist paper towels until they begin to germinate and then put in soil.

[Rusty Trichome]

Usually I just stick the beans in a glass jar with just enough properly ph'd water to cover the seeds, and keep in a warm, dark cabinet. Then, I plant the ones that crack-open. (a sign of viability) The seeds usually crack overnight, but sometimes they take a day or more longer. Exchange water daily with fresh, properly ph'd water. Check them daily. Once cracked-open, the clock is ticking twords the seed drowning.

Some of my tougher beans get the sandpaper and paper towel method. I use fine sandpaper (220 grit or so, but a matchbooks striker works too) to lightly scuff some of the waxy coating off of the seed to promote easier absorption of water through the seed's shell, (forcing it to crack-open) and I can keep adding moisture without drowning the beans. But if you let 'em grow till the taproot starts showing, the fine roots may snag on the paper towel, which can be a death sentance to the seed.

Avoid over-handling the seeds when ready to plant. Easy to contaminate or break the delicate roots. I use hemostats or tweezers, but again...use care.

[BringerofDope]

it is not required to soak seeds before planting if you make sure your dirt is pretty moist untill it sprouts, not DRIPPING wet but pretty moist. pros of soakin may be earlier sprouting but im not sure, because ive NEVER soaked ANY seed, everything still works out(some people insists seeds wont grow unless you do?). and a con would surely be handling the seed when you put it in dirt if the seed is already opening. id just do it natural man, but to each his own.

[SupraSPL]

If you do decide to soak them, try to plant them as soon as you seem them crack. Otherwise the taproot will emerge and you will have to try and plant it without damaging, it is very delicate.