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Location

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Date Posted

Denver

I hear alot about seed filing. What is the reason and how do you do it?

Thanks

4/13/2005 1:24:59 PM

Fowlerville, mi

I was wondering too. Newbie here!

4/13/2005 1:38:22 PM

ipswich, ma usa

By filing down the edges of the seed slightly it weakens the shell casing which for one helps with water absorbtion into the seed embryo and two helps the seed "break" through the seed outer shell when it's growing.

John (5150)

4/13/2005 2:05:24 PM

I also do it so the cotyledons push off the seed shell when they grow. That way I don't have to hold my breath while I gingerly pull the shell off of the young plant.

4/13/2005 2:38:54 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

What do y'all use to file them? Do you use something like an emery board, for filing your nails? Would a metal or wood file would be too coarse?

4/13/2005 5:10:21 PM

Utah

emery board ... or a fine grit sand paper work well.

4/13/2005 5:46:03 PM

Midwest

Brig, plant your seed flat in the pot...90% of the time shell stays in the soil.

4/13/2005 5:58:52 PM

Midway City, California

Only file the seed until a white line shows between the two sides. Do not file to close to the point as that is the end that the stem will appear.

4/13/2005 6:14:12 PM

[email protected]

Less is better than more when filing.

4/13/2005 9:10:06 PM

San Diego, Ca.

I just posted a picture in my diary of filed seeds. You should be able to see it tomorrow morning.

4/13/2005 10:10:23 PM

Oz

the first leafs get tore up if the seed husk doesnt come off easy.

4/13/2005 11:11:25 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

I just finished filing and starting to soak my practice seeds. I hope I did it right.

One problem I had, maybe it's not really a problem, is that the seeds were all floating in my soaking solutions (I am trying three different soaking liquids). So, they don't appear to be getting the benefit of liquid from all angles.

Is this normal? Should I put a sponge or something on top so that the seeds will be completely submerged? Will they sink as water penetrates? Any advice is appreciated.

4/14/2005 12:07:16 AM

Midway City, California

A little bubble maker used in fish tanks would help. normal when I soak my seeds

4/14/2005 12:12:42 AM

Garden

I shove a paper towel into the glass to hold the seed down

4/14/2005 12:19:12 AM

Cologne / Germany

John is right, attach a bubble maker while soaking the seeds. Works excellent and will also help to clean the shell from any remaining dirt or mold so you will go germinate a "clean" seed".
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=16933

4/14/2005 4:49:06 AM

C N Y

another weigh is to put a small amount of your solution into one glass, plop in the seeds and then put another empty glass into the first one, tilting the whole thing so that the air is allowed to escape the liquid. every once in a while, tilt the assembly and move them around a bit, as air bubbles may form in the liquid for some reason. i think all solutions should be soaked in for like 8-10 hours for maximum seed absorption.... eric

4/14/2005 5:45:00 PM

C N Y

file you r seeds with a metal nail file. it will never wear out....file the entire edge of the seed all the way around except for the pointed tip area.
the seed coat color will change twice as you file deeper:
start:
seed coat color/lighter color/darker color/STOP.
that is the point at which you stop, as the next phase is
the actual "chamber" where the seed leaves will be.
plant seed edgewise. yergood2go. eric

4/14/2005 5:49:17 PM

Deer Park WA

If you dont want to file (may cause Cot damage) just soak for a few hours and plant the seed flat instead of vertical and the sead coat useually comes off as it rises above the soil grade line. Note germination is a very delicate stage in the plants life that can set it back permenantly...

4/14/2005 8:42:49 PM

C N Y

hmmmm.....flat......i'll hafta try that...
edgewise has been working 90%......hmmmm......

4/15/2005 12:22:26 AM