How to restore the viability of expired seeds?

Soaking in aloe juice

Aloe is considered a natural growth stimulant. To soak the seeds, it must be properly prepared. Large leaves from the lower tier must be cut off. The plant should not be older than 3 years.

The material is wrapped in thick paper and placed in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. During this time, the biostimulation process will start, which is what we need. After this period, the juice is squeezed out of the leaves and diluted with clean water in a ratio of 1 to 1.

Important! Before squeezing, the material should be removed from the refrigerator in advance and allowed to warm up. To remove dust and bacteria, use a weak solution of manganese.

Now you can proceed to soaking – the seeds are immersed in juice for 12-24 hours. Afterwards, they are dried a little and planted.

Stimulating germination with an alcohol solution

The seeds of most cultivated plants are difficult to germinate. The main reason for this phenomenon is the essential oils that are in the shell. Alcohol will help improve seed germination. It will soften the crust and disinfect the surface of the seed.

To do this, wrap the planting material in clean gauze and dip it in alcohol for no more than 30 minutes. Then rinse well in running water, dry a little and you can plant.

Important! Do not over-expose the seeds, otherwise they will not sprout at all.

Resuscitation with hydrogen peroxide

One of the most inexpensive ways to revive expired seeds is to soak them in a hydrogen peroxide solution. It contains an additional oxygen atom, which stimulates plant growth.

The solution is prepared at the rate of 10 ml (or 2 teaspoons) of 3% peroxide per 90 g of water at room temperature. The seeds are immersed in the resulting mixture for a period of 2 to 24 hours. Then they are dried and planted. The duration of soaking depends on the age of the planting material.

Growth stimulation with temperature jumps

The method is suitable even for seeds that have been lying around for 10 years or more. The basis of the method is the alternate effect of cold and hot water on the planting material.

To do this, you will need two containers. Boiling water is poured into one, and ice water into the second. The seeds are placed on clean gauze and wrapped in a bag. Then they are alternately dipped into one container and then into the other for 5 seconds. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times, after which the seeds are dried and planted.

Soaking in degassed water

One of the most popular and effective methods, which is suitable even for planting material that has been lying around for 7-8 years. The recipe for making degassed water is quite simple. Fill a full pan with water, cover tightly with a lid and put on medium heat.

When the temperature reaches 90-93 °C, small gas bubbles will begin to float to the surface. At this point, the pan should be removed from the stove and placed under running cold water to cool. At this point, it is important to ensure that tap water does not get inside.

This method helps remove carbon dioxide, oxygen and other dissolved gases. Cooled water is poured into a plastic bottle or jar and tightly closed. Degassed water is stored in a tightly sealed container, without access to air.

To soak the seeds, they must be completely covered with liquid and left for 24-36 hours. The period depends on the age of the planting material. After that, dry well and you can plant.

If you have old seeds with an expired shelf life, do not rush to throw them away. Most of them are quite easy to revive. Take 2-3 seeds from the pack and use any of my tips. If everything works out, repeat the procedure with the rest of the seeds.