Definition:
Seeds with hard coats may need to be scarified - the process where the seed coat is modified in some way so that moisture can enter and germination occurs.
There are several methods of scarification:
- Soaking the seeds in hot water
- Using a file or sandpaper (one must be careful to not go too deep and damage the embryo inside)
- Acid (this can be quite dangerous and you must follow directions carefully!)
The type of scarification will depend on which seeds you are germinating.
Pronunciation: skar-uh-fi-key-shuhn
