Sweet pea germination experiment

[WendyC]

This year I decided to test the soak seeds versus the no soak methods. I tested Cupani and Starry Night (a King's Seeds mix). I soaked 12 of each of two varieties of seeds and left the other 12 unsoaked. These were planted 6 to a pot. Initially I left them in the greenhouse but as it was so cold I brought them in. It was easier to monitor them too!

The soaked Cupani seeds came up first - only one - but it was a start. The following day I had germination in all but the not soaked Starry Night. By the third day some in each pot had germinated. So it did appear that by soaking them, they came through quicker.
However after a week, 18 of the 24 not soaked seeds have come through, versus only 15 of the ones I've soaked.

I don't think they are all through just yet but they've had to go back in the greenhouse, wrapped up well, until they get used to it. Next year I won't bother to soak them as yes they did come through quicker but fewer grew!

[Bigmallly]

I've got 5 loo rolls with 6 unsoaked seeds in each at the moment. They were germinated on heated prop & are now romping away under lights.

[VirginVegGrower]

I don't soak mine, but I do water the compost, then push seeds into it. I bring mine into the house and as soon as through, pop into greenhouse in covered gravel trays. I too have sown Cupani, a beautiful flower and the oldest known variety of sweet pea.

[Bren In Pots]

I'd best get my sweet peas sown this weekend.

[Alison]

I'll be sowing mine tomorrow but only ever just push them into the compost of the root trainers. Have never had any germination problems so never bothered trying any of the soaking / cutting stuff that I've read about.

[darcyvuqua]

I will be trying to germinate mine soon I started them way to late last year and I never got many flowers Im not sure if I was late or the fact i never pinched out

[veggiechicken]

Darn it - just had to find some sweet pea seeds and start some off (unsoaked)
Thanks for the prompt!!

[VirginVegGrower]

I'll be sowing mine tomorrow but only ever just push them into the compost of the root trainers. Have never had any germination problems so never bothered trying any of the soaking / cutting stuff that I've read about.

Snap Alison and it works

[Alison]

I will be trying to germinate mine soon I started them way to late last year and I never got many flowers Im not sure if I was late or the fact i never pinched out

Mine were rubbish last year, I didn't do anything different to normal so am just blaming it on the random weather

[Bren In Pots]

I'll be sowing mine tomorrow but only ever just push them into the compost of the root trainers. Have never had any germination problems so never bothered trying any of the soaking / cutting stuff that I've read about.

Just checked my journal and I'm not late my SP get sown around the 6th of Feb then they pop their heads above the soil 6 to 7 days later.

I sow mine the same as Alison only I use loo rolls.