Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods for Soaking and Sprouting Asparagus Seeds

The seed coat of asparagus is relatively thick and hard, with a waxy layer on the outside, making it difficult for water to be absorbed. Therefore, growers soak and sprout the seeds before sowing, which can effectively increase the germination rate, enhance the germination vigor of the seeds, and reduce planting costs. So how exactly is asparagus seed sprouting carried out? Let's take a look together.

1. Sunning the seeds

Before sowing, on a sunny day, place the seeds on a piece of cloth at a thickness of 1-2 cm, and put them in the sunlight to sun for 2-3 days. During sunning, they can be turned over appropriately a few times. Sunning the seeds can kill the pathogens carried on the seed surface, effectively prevent pathogens from being introduced into the plants, and also increase the germination rate.

2. Soaking the seeds

Put the seeds into clean water and remove the inferior seeds floating on the surface. Soak the seeds in warm water of 40-50 degrees. During soaking, rub the seed coat repeatedly with your hands to break the waxy layer on its surface. When the color of the seed surface changes and small grooves have appeared, this indicates that the waxy layer on the seeds has been removed. Then remove the seeds, rinse them, and soak them again in warm water of 20-30 degrees. Generally, they should be soaked for 2-3 days, changing the water 1-2 times each day.

3. Seed disinfection

Disease is a major factor affecting the growth, development, yield and quality of asparagus, and many diseases are caused by pathogens carried by the seeds. Therefore, in order to prevent disease, the seeds should first be disinfected and sterilized before sowing. Generally, 10 grams of 50% carbendazim can be diluted in 2.5 liters of water, and the seeds soaked in it for 24 hours, which can eliminate most pathogens.

4. Sprouting

Sprouting is a necessary step to increase the seed germination rate and shorten the time to emergence. Remove the seeds that have already been soaked and place them in an earthenware basin, then cover the opening with a layer of wet cloth. Place the earthenware basin in a greenhouse environment of about 25 degrees; an insulated box can also be used. To increase air permeability and avoid seed death from lack of oxygen, rinse with warm water once each morning and evening. After about 2-3 days, when a small number of seeds begin to show white, they can be sown. If sowing is done when most of them have shown white, some seeds that show white earlier will have grown too-long radicles, and they are easily injured during sowing, affecting emergence.

The above is an introduction to the methods for soaking and sprouting asparagus seeds. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.