Should Cucumber Seeds Be Soaked Before Planting?
While large seeds such as beans might split, cucumber seeds generally sprout fine without soaking. However, if you want quick germination, soak the seeds before planting. After soaking, plant the seeds in a full sun area in well-draining soil.
Benefits
Soaking cucumber seeds before planting accelerates seed germination. Warm temperatures combined with water directly activate the seed's growth hormones, giving you a head start. The plants that emerge won't be better; they'll just be faster.
Methods
There are two main methods to soak seeds. Moisten a paper towel, then lay your seeds on the towel and cover them with a second moist towel. Leave the seeds overnight, and then plant them. Alternatively, soak the seeds for up to eight hours in a glass jar fitted with a screen lid, then drain the jar, rinse the seed, add lukewarm water and lay the jar on its side. Repeat the rinsing and draining two more times that day, and repeat it for the next two to three days until you see small roots, then remove the seeds from the jar and plant them. Either method works.
- While large seeds such as beans might split, cucumber seeds generally sprout fine without soaking.
- However, if you want quick germination, soak the seeds before planting.
Considerations
Keep the soaking seeds in a warm room so they can sprout properly. If you notice seeds that have split, discard them; plant all intact seeds after the soaking.
Soak Seeds Before Planting
Place the seeds in a bowl that will hold two to three times the volume of the seeds. Large seeds, such as peas and corn, swell to double their size when soaked in water and need plenty of room to expand. As the seeds absorb the water and swell, they will displace the water in the bowl. Allow the seeds to set in the water overnight, or the recommended time for your specific seeds. Change the water for seeds that soak more than 12 hours.
- Keep the soaking seeds in a warm room so they can sprout properly.
- Place the seeds in a bowl that will hold two to three times the volume of the seeds.
Soak Seeds Before Planting
Place the seeds in a bowl that will hold two to three times the volume of the seeds. Large seeds, such as peas and corn, swell to double their size when soaked in water and need plenty of room to expand. As the seeds absorb the water and swell, they will displace the water in the bowl. Allow the seeds to set in the water overnight, or the recommended time for your specific seeds. Change the water for seeds that soak more than 12 hours.
- Keep the soaking seeds in a warm room so they can sprout properly.
- Place the seeds in a bowl that will hold two to three times the volume of the seeds.
Related Articles
References
- Seattle PI: Good Enough to Eat - Get a head start on vegetable seed growth by cashing in your chits
- Washington State University Extension: Some Corn-y Advice
- Washington State University Extension: Tips for Novice Vegetable Gardeners
- Washington State University Extension: Some Corn-y Advice
- Washington State University Extension: Tips for Novice Vegetable Gardeners
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