Sophora japonica Seed Germinating Tips

  Sophora japonica seeds can be hard to germinate.  It has an impervious seed coat that is nearly impossible for water to penetrate.  Therefore you must scarify the seeds in order to get the seeds to break their dormancy.

  To scarify the seeds lightly sand the seed with sandpaper or a file.  The sandpaper method is the easiest.  All you have to do is put the seeds between 2 sheets of sandpaper and rub the sheets together.

  There are other methods that you may invent.  I sometimes use finger nail clippers to nick larger seeds but it is too dangerous for smaller seeds so I resort to safer methods  Remember safety first.

  After you sand or nick the seed coat you should soak the seed in hot water for 12 - 24 hours.  Some people use acid or hot water with good results but I recommend scraping the seed.

  If your seeds do not germinate you can always let mother nature do the trick.  Leave them outside for the winter.  Don't let the pot dry out.

If you have plant questions please feel free to ask.