Should You Soak Morning Glory Seeds before Planting? Does It Really Make a Difference?
When it comes to gardening, everyone seems to have a secret trick up their sleeve. Whether it’s using leftover coffee grounds for fertilizer or planting by the phases of the moon, gardeners are full of wisdom handed down through generations.
One piece of advice I kept hearing was to soak morning glory seeds before planting. I’ll admit, I wasn’t too sure about it at first. Did soaking morning glory seeds really make a difference, or was it just another gardening myth?
My Morning Glory Journey
Morning glories have always been one of my favorite flowers to grow. With their vivid hues and enchanting ability to climb almost anything, they transform any space into a whimsical garden paradise. But, like any passionate gardener, I wanted my morning glories to thrive, not just survive. That’s where the question of soaking the seeds came into play.
Why Even Bother Soaking Morning Glory Seeds?
The first time I planted morning glories, I scattered the seeds directly into the soil, figuring they’d do their thing, just like any other seed. However, I soon realized that morning glory seeds have an unusually hard outer shell. That protective coating is both a blessing and a curse. While it shields the seed from rotting in damp soil, it also makes germination a bit of a struggle.
The theory behind soaking the seeds is that it softens that tough outer layer, allowing the seed to germinate more easily. Picture trying to open a pistachio without the shell cracked. Frustrating, right?
Seeds are kind of like that. By soaking them, you give them a head start, allowing them to burst forth into life more readily.
Does Soaking Actually Make a Difference?
I decided to do a little experiment in my own garden. I soaked half of my morning glory seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting, while the other half went straight into the soil. I wanted to see if this method actually delivered results.
The Soaking Process:
Here’s how I did it:
- Chose a container: I grabbed a small bowl and filled it with warm (not boiling) water.
- Submerged the seeds: I dropped in the morning glory seeds, letting them sink. Some floated at first, but after a few hours, most of them started sinking as they absorbed the water.
- Waited: I left the seeds in the water for 24 hours, periodically checking to make sure they weren’t turning mushy. You want them to soften, not disintegrate!
After 24 hours, I planted the soaked seeds and the dry ones side by side.
The Results Were Clear
To say I was amazed would be an understatement. The seeds I soaked sprouted much faster than the dry ones. It was like watching a race where one team had a solid head start. The soaked seeds began germinating in just 5 to 7 days, while the unsoaked seeds took nearly two weeks! That’s not just a small difference—that’s a full week of extra growing time.
Now, I know gardening isn’t always about speed, but when you’re trying to cultivate a thriving garden, every day counts. The quicker those seedlings appear, the stronger and healthier your plants can become.
Benefits of Soaking Morning Glory Seeds
Now that I’m convinced of the power of soaking seeds, I’ll break it down for you. Here are the key benefits I experienced firsthand:
| Benefit | Details |
| Faster Germination | Soaked seeds sprout faster because their hard outer shell softens, making it easier for the sprout to emerge. |
| Stronger Plants | Seeds that germinate quickly tend to develop into stronger seedlings. They have a head start, which means they get more sunlight and nutrients earlier on. |
| Higher Germination Rate | Soaking can increase the number of seeds that successfully sprout, leading to a fuller garden bed. |
| Less Watering Required | Since the seeds have absorbed water during soaking, they need less moisture immediately after planting. |
When Skipping Soaking Makes Sense
That being said, soaking isn’t always necessary. If you’re in a rush or have a lot of seeds to plant, it might feel like a tedious extra step. And to be fair, morning glories are hardy plants—they’ll still grow without soaking, just at a slower pace.
Additionally, if you’re planting your seeds in a location where they’ll get a lot of rain, nature might do the soaking for you. In these situations, you might not notice as much of a difference between soaked and unsoaked seeds.
| Check out: Should You Soak Basil Seeds Before Planting? |
My Personal Recommendation: A Middle Ground
While soaking worked wonders for me, I wouldn’t say it’s an absolute must. However, if you want to give your morning glories the best possible start, it’s worth the extra effort.
One compromise I’ve found works really well is a quick soak followed by a technique called “scarification.” It sounds more complicated than it is!
Essentially, you nick or gently file the outer coating of the seed before soaking it. This method allows water to penetrate even faster and can lead to even quicker germination.
Here’s a simple guide:
Quick Scarification and Soaking Guide:
- Nick the Seeds: Take a nail file or sharp blade and make a small scratch or nick in the outer coating of each seed. Don’t go too deep; just enough to break the surface.
- Soak the Seeds: Place the scarified seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours. You’ll notice they start to swell as they absorb the water.
- Plant: After soaking, plant them in your prepared garden bed or pots, and water them well.
| Check out: Soaking Nasturtium Seeds before Planting |
Soak or Not, Morning Glories Always Shine
At the end of the day, whether you soak your morning glory seeds or plant them straight into the soil, you’ll still end up with a stunning display of color. Morning glories are resilient and tenacious climbers that will brighten up any fence, trellis, or mailbox post. So while soaking speeds up the process and boosts success rates, these plants will eventually bloom their cheerful flowers no matter what.
Lessons from the Garden
Gardening has taught me that sometimes the smallest steps make the biggest difference. Soaking my morning glory seeds was one of those steps that, while simple, made a huge impact on the final outcome. The faster germination and stronger seedlings were enough to convince me that this little bit of prep work is worth the effort.
So, if you’re a gardener who likes to see quick results or just wants to give your plants every advantage possible, soak those seeds! Your garden will thank you later when it’s full of vibrant morning glories twining their way to the sky.
Conclusion: To Soak or Not to Soak?
If you asked me before I did my little garden experiment, I might have shrugged and said soaking sounded like extra work. But now, I’m all in. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, soaking your morning glory seeds can lead to faster, healthier growth. It’s like giving your garden a cheat code for success.
But, if you’re short on time or just like to let nature do its thing, don’t sweat it. Morning glories will still find their way to the sun. Soaking just gives them a little nudge in the right direction.
In the grand scheme of gardening, soaking morning glory seeds is one of those tiny tasks that can reap big rewards. So next time you’re planting, try giving your seeds a quick bath—it might just make all the difference in your garden’s story.
