Stratification/Germination Acacia&Sakura

[Ferg91]

I’ve tried germinating acacia and Sakura seeds three times now from purchases on Amazon I now purchased more viable seeds from individuals on Etsy. I was just looking for other people who have successfully germinated these and to see if their method was different than mine thank you.

 

[Shibui]

Acacias (at least the species that grow here in Australia) tend to have very hard seed coats. They are not cold climate plants so do no not need stratification. The seeds don't take in water unless the waxy seed coat is breached. In nature that happens over time and as the seed is moved over the soil. Some seed germinates soon and some stays dormant for years in nature.
When we want quicker, bulk germination we 'scarify' acacia seeds. Note the difference between 'scarification' and 'stratification'.
There's several ways to scarify seed. Use any one of the following:
1. put seeds in a mug then boil a jug of water and pour half a cup (or therabouts) of boiling hot water over the seeds. Sounds harsh but the sudden change of temp shatters the hard seed coat and allows the seed to absorb water. The boiling hot water will not harm the seeds. Let the seeds soak for a few hours or overnight, drain then sow. This is my preferred method and usually results in good germination.
2. rub the seeds on concrete or sandpaper until the seed coat is scratched on one or more sides then sow.
3. file a corner of each seed with a file or take a nick out of the seed with cutters then sow (time consuming!!!)
I've also seen some recommendations using the microwave to scarify acacia seed but have not tried that yet so cannot offer specifics on that method.

Sakura is cherry. Cherry is a cool climate species and may need stratification - cold treatment - but I have not needed to germinate cherry seed so can't offer good advice.

 

[Crazy Diamond]

For the Cherry same as other stone fruits you need to crack the exterior shell

 

[Ferg91]

Acacias (at least the species that grow here in Australia) tend to have very hard seed coats. They are not cold climate plants so do no not need stratification. The seeds don't take in water unless the waxy seed coat is breached. In nature that happens over time and as the seed is moved over the soil. Some seed germinates soon and some stays dormant for years in nature.
When we want quicker, bulk germination we 'scarify' acacia seeds. Note the difference between 'scarification' and 'stratification'.
There's several ways to scarify seed. Use any one of the following:
1. put seeds in a mug then boil a jug of water and pour half a cup (or therabouts) of boiling hot water over the seeds. Sounds harsh but the sudden change of temp shatters the hard seed coat and allows the seed to absorb water. The boiling hot water will not harm the seeds. Let the seeds soak for a few hours or overnight, drain then sow. This is my preferred method and usually results in good germination.
2. rub the seeds on concrete or sandpaper until the seed coat is scratched on one or more sides then sow.
3. file a corner of each seed with a file or take a nick out of the seed with cutters then sow (time consuming!!!)
I've also seen some recommendations using the microwave to scarify acacia seed but have not tried that yet so cannot offer specifics on that method.

Sakura is cherry. Cherry is a cool climate species and may need stratification - cold treatment - but I have not needed to germinate cherry seed so can't offer good advice.

You are a kind and generous individual thank you very much!! Do you make videos for any other seeds?
newbie potential bonsai dad here. Having trouble with many others but hopefully finding alternative ways to germinate them

 

[Ferg91]

For the Cherry same as other stone fruits you need to crack the exterior shell

Thank you as well

 

[Ferg91]

Acacias (at least the species that grow here in Australia) tend to have very hard seed coats. They are not cold climate plants so do no not need stratification. The seeds don't take in water unless the waxy seed coat is breached. In nature that happens over time and as the seed is moved over the soil. Some seed germinates soon and some stays dormant for years in nature.
When we want quicker, bulk germination we 'scarify' acacia seeds. Note the difference between 'scarification' and 'stratification'.
There's several ways to scarify seed. Use any one of the following:
1. put seeds in a mug then boil a jug of water and pour half a cup (or therabouts) of boiling hot water over the seeds. Sounds harsh but the sudden change of temp shatters the hard seed coat and allows the seed to absorb water. The boiling hot water will not harm the seeds. Let the seeds soak for a few hours or overnight, drain then sow. This is my preferred method and usually results in good germination.
2. rub the seeds on concrete or sandpaper until the seed coat is scratched on one or more sides then sow.
3. file a corner of each seed with a file or take a nick out of the seed with cutters then sow (time consuming!!!)
I've also seen some recommendations using the microwave to scarify acacia seed but have not tried that yet so cannot offer specifics on that method.

Sakura is cherry. Cherry is a cool climate species and may need stratification - cold treatment - but I have not needed to germinate cherry seed so can't offer good advice.

Hey I was wondering if you know if other seeds with hard outer shells could tolerate boiling water to break that hard shell. Raspberry, pyracantha, juniper. That boiling trick was literally magic with acacia

 

[Shibui]

I'm not aware of boiling water being used to germinate those species. It is sometimes used to kill diseases though not usually to boiling temp.
Boiling water is probably the easiest and safest to use so try it first.
The raspberry and pyracantha are fruits. Many fruiting plants have adapted to being eaten by birds. Many germinate much better after acid treatment to mimic passing through a bird's gut. You could try feeding them to some chickens but failing that sulfuric acid can be used.
I'm reluctant to encourage newbies who may not understand safety to play with strong acid but here's a link to the first page that came up when I searched acid treatment for seeds
https://depts.washington.edu/proppl...batches, are,appear dull after this treatment.

 

[penumbra]

I have found that when I soak seeds in water germination is facilitated by adding peroxide to my soaking solution.

 

[Ferg91]

I'm not aware of boiling water being used to germinate those species. It is sometimes used to kill diseases though not usually to boiling temp.
Boiling water is probably the easiest and safest to use so try it first.
The raspberry and pyracantha are fruits. Many fruiting plants have adapted to being eaten by birds. Many germinate much better after acid treatment to mimic passing through a bird's gut. You could try feeding them to some chickens but failing that sulfuric acid can be used.
I'm reluctant to encourage newbies who may not understand safety to play with strong acid but here's a link to the first page that came up when I searched acid treatment for seeds
https://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Treatments to Overcome Seed Dormancy.htm#:~:text=Seeds, in small batches, are,appear dull after this treatment.

Appreciate this. Acid is no joke. Played with a few metal dissolving types in chemistry back in college. Wouldn’t want to lose my eyes! Ahhh.
Thanks though! I was trying to find a way to skip the 3-4 month fridge wait

 

[Ferg91]

I'm not aware of boiling water being used to germinate those species. It is sometimes used to kill diseases though not usually to boiling temp.
Boiling water is probably the easiest and safest to use so try it first.
The raspberry and pyracantha are fruits. Many fruiting plants have adapted to being eaten by birds. Many germinate much better after acid treatment to mimic passing through a bird's gut. You could try feeding them to some chickens but failing that sulfuric acid can be used.
I'm reluctant to encourage newbies who may not understand safety to play with strong acid but here's a link to the first page that came up when I searched acid treatment for seeds
https://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Treatments to Overcome Seed Dormancy.htm#:~:text=Seeds, in small batches, are,appear dull after this treatment.

Well I ate a handful I’ll just look through muh poo tomorrow.

 

[penumbra]

Well I ate a handful I’ll just look through muh poo tomorrow.

Its good that you are regular.

 

[Ferg91]

I’m anything but regular.