Scarification

Scarification.
Some seeds come clad in a protective coating that is particularly hard and water-resistant. In nature, weather, gritty soil, and even acid in the digestive tracts of animals abrade the seed, letting moisture in to spark germination.

Scarification There are several annual flowers that protect their seeds with hard coverings. Morning Glories are a good example.

Scarification- Abrasion of the seed coat allowing water and oxygen into the seed, thereby helping to improve germination in some species.
Seed Coat- The outer protective covering of a seed.

Scarification - This refers to the process of literally damaging the seed coat. Some seeds are so well protected by their seed coat that the seedling is not able to break through it on its own.

Scarification: Nicking or chipping a seed to aid in germination.
Stratification: An artificial process of simulating cold temperatures to aid a seed to germinate.

Scarification
Some hard-shelled seeds, such as sweet pea and balloon vine, benefit from the outside coating being scratched or nicked to speed germination. One easy way to scarify seeds is to rub them lightly between two pieces of fine sandpaper.

Scarification-The chemical (soaking in buttermilk) or physical treatment (rasping with file or sandpaper) given to some seeds to break or weaken the seed coat sufficiently for germination to occur.

Scarification (for seed)- Pregerminative treatment to make seed coats permeable to water and gases; accomplished usually by mechanical abrasion or by soaking seeds briefly in a strong acid or other chemical solution.

Scarification Deliberate wounding of a seed to allow water to enter
Scion A short length of stem, taken from one plant which is then grafted onto the rootstock of another plant; the top "slip" or desirable propagated tissue in a grafted plant ...

scarification Nicking, sanding, or otherwise compromising the hard outer coating of a seed to increase its water intake and thus promote germination. Sometimes incorrectly called scarfing.

This process can be speeded along considerably by a process called scarification. This can be done by filing a small area on each seed, or cutting a nick into the seed coating with a knife.

Some true wildflower seeds require chilling, scarification or soaking prior to planting, so read the package instructions carefully before planting.

The seeds have a very hard outer coating that breaks down in harsh weather or by going through an animal's digestive system. Red bud seeds must go through this process to germinate. Luckily, there is a procedure called scarification that will ...

See also: Plant, Growing, Germination, Soil, Water