What are the common methods for sprouting walnut seeds?
Walnut propagation uses the sowing method and 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, sprouting treatment is needed to improve the germination rate and seedling emergence speed. So how should sprouting be done? Follow the editor to take a look at the common walnut sprouting methods.
1. Stratified sand storage method
Walnut seeds have a relatively weak dormancy period, so after the seeds are collected, they can be stored in stratified sand. The specific method is to choose a place with good drainage, sheltered from wind and shaded, and free of 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 quantity. Spread a layer of wet sand on the bottom of the trench, about 10-15 cm thick, then spread a layer of walnuts, then a layer of wet sand, layer by layer like this. When reaching the trench opening, cover with sand and level it, and mound it into a roof shape. Wet sand storage of seeds can be done with or without the shell, but without the shell they must be soaked in cold water for 2-3 days before storage.
2. Cold water seed soaking method
Put the walnut seeds into a bucket or vat container, pour in cold water, with the water amount just covering the seeds. During soaking, to prevent the seeds from floating up, place a wooden board over the container opening, then press it 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, they can be sown.
3. Warm water seed soaking method
Also 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, 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 boiling water at about 2 times the amount of 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 medium- and thick-shelled walnut varieties. Thin-shelled or paper-shelled walnut seeds are not suitable.
The above is an introduction to the common methods for sprouting walnut seeds. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.