Echinocactus horizonthalonius - seed treatment?

[walker87]

Hi everyone,

I have some Echinocactus horizonthalonius both regular form and subikii form seed and am wondering if this seed requires any pre treatment such as scratching or scarification?

I've not grown these from seed before and have limited quantities just 20 or so of each so would like to use best method.

Thankyou!

[Aiko]

I don't think they need that. Although still don't expect a very high germination rate. From my experience, they do germinate in a moderate rate quite easily.

[keith]

My experience is they germinate poorly and using fine sand paper on the seeds helps. Could be my seeds are not old enough ?

[Hanazono]

I tried various methods but the results were very similar.
It shows a reasonable germination rate if seeds past 2 years after harvesting.
The growing speed after germination is not fast but it is also a reasonable speed.
The photo is some of my seedlings.
https://cactiguide.com/forum/download/f ... w&id=70055

[walker87]

Thankyou everyone for the replies.

I am not sure how old the seeds are, at least a few months at a minimum I would guess and they've been with me for several months now.

I'll be happy with 2 of each as I can then produce my own seed.

It is very interesting that they grow better after the seed has been aged.

Frank,
Do you scratch the seeds or just plant them normally?

Thanks again.

[Hanazono]

G'day Walker,

No I do not scratch seeds.
I plant seeds normally but seeds are in water for 24 hours before the sowing.

Frank

[walker87]

Hi Frank,
Thankyou very much for your advice.

I will be preparing the seeds for sowing this week.

Kind regards

[Aiko]

No I do not scratch seeds.
I plant seeds normally but seeds are in water for 24 hours before the sowing.

How will that make a difference, compared to sowing them in moist soil?

[Hanazono]

G'morning Aiko,

How will that make a difference, compared to sowing them in moist soil?

I do not know. I think it is same theoretically but I have never experienced "Just sowing horizonthalonius seed in moist soil".

I did several ways:

1. Hot water shocking
Purchased seed, unknown age of seed
Dipped in 70 'C water and cracked hard sell of seed. Seeds are in water following 24 hours.
The temperature control of hot water is not easy.

2. Acid
Harvested seed, 1 year old
Dipped in diluted acid in 1 minute. Washed seed by water and kept in water for 24 hours.
Seed shell turned colour by dipping acid.
It did not show a good germination rate.

3. Scratching seed shell
Harvested seed, 1 year old
Rubbed seed with sand until seed shell turned the colour
Dipped seed in water for 24 hours after rubbed
It takes time to rub many seeds.
I could not see any improvement of germination rate.

4. Use old seed, latest method
Harvested seed, more than 2 years old
Dipped seed in water for 24 hours before sowing

Since the germination rate of method 4 was quite good, more than 100 unrepotted seedlings have been remained.
I do not need sowing horizonthalonius seed anymore.

Frank

[Fatich]

I just sow them like the seeds that require no special treatment.
They germinate around 7-10 days and after.