Seed Priming for Better Germination

Use on stubborn seed or very old seed

Materials Needed:

3% hydrogen peroxide

Distilled water-Tap water contains dissolved minerals and is not pure like distilled water

Sugar

Heat Mat with thermometer

Coffee filters

The internet is FULL of seed priming advice using Hydrogen Peroxide but I’m only interested in the methods which are based in scientific facts…too much hydrogen peroxide and/or too much time soaking will be detrimental to your seed. This priming technique is one used by universities and I’ve used it for several years as well. You can use this on most any seed, but it’s particularly useful for peppers and eggplants.

Seed priming is a pre-sowing strategy to influence seed germination and seedling development which generally enhances germination rate and plant performance. Seed priming has been found to enhance rapid and uniform emergence, and to achieve high vigor and better yields. When used PROPERLY, priming generally causes faster germination and faster field emergence, and has been adopted by many seed companies. Hydrogen Peroxide acts as a signal for the seed to germinate by introducing oxygen which reduces germination times for slower varieties. This method also works well for old seeds. During germination, Hydrogen Peroxide also protects emerging seedlings from damage by pathogens.