What type of preparation is often needed for hard seed coats to germinate?

Hard seed coats can create a barrier that prevents water and oxygen from penetrating the seed, which are essential for the germination process. Scarification is a technique used to break or weaken this hard seed coat, facilitating the absorption of moisture and enabling the seed to sprout. This process can involve physical methods, such as scratching or nicking the seed coat, or chemical methods, such as using acids to soften the coating. By using scarification, the seed is effectively prepped for germination, allowing it to activate its internal mechanisms for sprouting.

Soaking in water is primarily used for softening seeds with less robust coatings. Chipping and grinding are more aggressive methods that could damage the seed or are unnecessary for many types of seeds that only require scarification.