1000 ways to skin a cat .... A million to pop a seed ...
Here's a few :
1. Scuff seed - old match box with a small sheet of sandpaper inside . GENTLE shaking for a couple seconds . Plant as usual.
2. Rooter Plug : dampen plug , insert seed. Plant in container OR place into humidity dome in tray . Add heating pad .
Dome method works very well. Rock cubes can also work but PRESOAK cubes in 5.5 ph water girl at least an hour , shake excess and put seed in , place in tray. Throw a lamp on them for at least 18/6 or 24/0. Once you get initial stem growth , you can plant them and bury any stretched part of the growth.
3. Straight into pot : I usually soak seed for a few hours to hydrate it , then I poke a hole in soil center ( I use a premoistened container of soil ( spray bottle ) and plant. Let Mother Nature take over. Some place a sheet of cling wrap to help with humidity and warmth.
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4. Zip bag : ....
Moisten paper towel or napkin
Place dampened paper towel .. Plain unscented , paper napkins can work too.
Into zip bag - snack size is perfect. Close bag and grab a bath towel and fold it like it is in storage , put bag or bags into middle. Let it be for a day or two .... Check bag for taproot.
There many many ways , all are pretty effective , older seeds will pop more frequently if hydrated first instead of direct planting.