The correct method and steps for soaking and sprouting asparagus seeds

The outer coat of asparagus seeds is relatively thick and hard, with a waxy layer on the outside, making it difficult for them to absorb water. That is why growers always soak and sprout the seeds before sowing. This effectively increases the germination rate, strengthens the seeds' germination vigor, and reduces planting costs. So how exactly do you sprout asparagus seeds? Let's take a look.

1. Sunning the seeds

Before sowing, on a sunny day, place the seeds on a cloth at a thickness of 1-2 cm, and leave them in direct sunlight for 2-3 days. During sunning, turn them a few times as appropriate. Sunning the seeds can kill the pathogens carried on the seed surface, effectively prevent pathogens from entering the plants, and also raise the germination rate.

2. Soaking the seeds

Put the seeds into clean water and scoop out the inferior seeds floating on the surface, then soak the seeds in warm water at 40-50 degrees. During soaking, rub the seed coats repeatedly with your hands to break the waxy layer on the 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 scoop out the seeds, rinse them, and soak them again in warm water at 20-30 degrees. Generally, soak for 2-3 days, changing the water 1-2 times a day.

3. Disinfecting the seeds

Diseases are the main factor affecting the growth, development, yield and quality of asparagus, and many diseases are caused by pathogens carried on the seeds. So to prevent diseases, the seeds must first be disinfected and sterilized before sowing. Generally, 10 grams of 50% carbendazim diluted in 2.5 liters of water can be used to soak the seeds for 24 hours, which can kill most of the pathogens.

4. Sprouting

Sprouting is a necessary step to raise the germination rate and shorten the time to emergence. Scoop out the seeds that have already been soaked and place them in a clay pot, then cover the mouth of the pot with a layer of wet cloth. Place the clay pot in a greenhouse environment at around 25 degrees; an insulated box can also be used. To increase air permeability and prevent the seeds from dying from lack of oxygen, rinse them with warm water once each morning and evening. After about 2-3 days, once a small number of seeds begin to show white, they can be sown. If you sow when most of them have shown white, some seeds will have shown white earlier and their radicles will have grown too long, making them prone to being bruised during sowing and affecting emergence.

The above is an introduction to how to soak and sprout asparagus seeds. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.