How long do coriander seeds need to be soaked before planting?

The shell of coriander seeds is relatively hard. If they are sown directly into the soil, the germination period will be longer and the germination rate will be lower. Through soaking treatment, the seed shell can be effectively softened, the seed's water absorption capacity can be improved, thereby promoting seed germination. So how long do coriander seeds need to be soaked before planting? Let’s learn more about it below.

How long do coriander seeds need to be soaked before planting?

The time coriander seeds need to be soaked is generally between 8 and 32 hours, depending on factors such as the soaking water temperature, the variety and quality of the seeds, and the germination method. For example, for the conventional seed soaking and germination method, it is generally recommended to soak the seeds in room temperature water at around 18 degrees for 1 day (24 hours), changing the water once in the middle.

Key points for pre-sowing treatment of coriander seeds

1. Seed selection

Choose seeds that are full, fresh, and healthy, and select excellent varieties according to your own needs and climate conditions. For example, Shandong big leaf, four-season coriander, Beijing coriander, etc.

2. Rub the shell

The shell of coriander seeds is hard. Before sowing, you can rub the seeds slowly with the soles of your shoes or a flat object to create small cracks in the shell, or gently press them with a rolling pin to make them crack, so as to promote the entry of moisture and air and increase the germination rate. But be careful to avoid crushing the germ inside the seed.

3. Refrigeration

Before sowing in summer, you can refrigerate the seeds for a week. The low temperature can break the dormancy of the seeds and increase the germination rate.

4. Seed soaking and germination

Soak the rubbed seeds in warm water at 18-22 degrees for 24 hours. After soaking, filter out the water, cover with wet cotton cloth to keep moist, and place in a ventilated place. After about 48 hours, you can see the seed head swell, which means it has germinated.

5. Soil selection

Choose a sunny, wind-sheltered area with organic matter to plant coriander. The soil must be fertile, moisturizing, fertilizer-retaining, and well-drained. The soil must be deeply plowed and well-rotted farmyard manure must be applied.

6. Key points for sowing

Sprinkle the processed coriander seeds evenly on the prepared soil, and lightly compact the soil with a wooden shovel so that the seeds are in close contact with the soil. Because coriander seeds are very small, they need to be buried shallowly when sown. The sowing depth is usually about 0.5 cm, and it can be covered with a thin layer of soil.

In general, the soaking time of coriander seeds should be flexibly adjusted according to the specific situation to ensure that the seeds can fully absorb water and swell, thereby improving the germination rate. In addition, attention should also be paid to the post-soaking treatment and sowing conditions to provide a good environment for the growth of coriander.