How to germinate walnut seeds? An introduction to the latest commonly used methods
Walnuts are propagated by sowing, which can be divided into spring sowing and autumn sowing. However, when sowing, because the walnut seed shell is relatively hard, natural germination is slow, so before sowing, germination treatment is needed to improve the germination rate and seedling emergence speed. So how should germination be done? Let's take a look together at the common walnut germination methods.
1. Stratification and sand storage method
Walnut seeds have a relatively weak dormancy period, so after the seeds are collected, they can be stratified and stored in sand. The specific method is to choose a place with good drainage, shelter from wind and shade, and no rodent damage, and dig a trench for storage. Generally, the trench is 1 m high and 1.5 m wide, and the length depends on the storage amount. Spread a layer of wet sand at the bottom of the trench, about 10-15 cm thick, then spread a layer of walnuts, then spread a layer of wet sand, layer by layer like this. When reaching the pit opening, cover with sand and level it, and pile it into a ridge shape. Wet sand storage of seeds can be done with or without the shell, but without the shell, they should be soaked in cold water for 2-3 days before storage.
2. Cold water seed soaking method
Put the walnut seeds into a container such as a bucket or vat, pour in cold water, with the water amount just covering the seeds. During soaking, to prevent the seeds from floating up, a wooden board can be placed over the container opening, then pressed down with stones or heavy objects. Generally, soaking for 7-10 days is enough. During soaking, change the water once a day. When the seeds absorb water, swell, and crack open, they can be sown.
3. Warm water seed soaking method
Likewise, prepare a container, put the seeds into it, then pour in warm hot water at about 80 degrees, and stir with a stick-like tool until the temperature drops to normal, then stop stirring. Soak for 8-10 days, changing the water once a day. When some seeds begin to crack open, they can be sown.
4. Boiling water seed soaking method
The boiling water seed soaking method is suitable for emergency sowing when the seeds have not undergone any treatment. Put dry walnut seeds into a container, then pour in about 2 times the amount of boiling water as the seeds, stir promptly when adding the hot water, with the water surface just above the seeds. After stirring for a period of time, when the water temperature is no longer hot to the touch, add cold water, soak for a few hours, then remove and sow. This method can not only quickly break the dormancy of walnut seeds, but also use high temperature to kill pathogens on the surface. However, it is only suitable for walnut varieties with medium and thick shells; thin-shelled or paper-shelled walnut seeds are not suitable.
The above is an introduction to the commonly used germination methods for walnut seeds. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.