Sterilizing seeds is an important step in the growing process for many different reasons. As living things, they are capable of carrying and passing along diseases, pathogens, fungi, bacteria, etc., that are on the surface or within the seed coat. These can lead to damping off, bacterial and fungal infections, or other diseases in your developing plants. Some seeds may be more prone to contamination than others. In general, it is best to sterilize seeds that are being used for indoor growing in greenhouses or at home. Growing with sterilized seeds ensures you are starting your grows with the healthiest foundations. While seed sterilizing is a standard practice for research processes, it is also recommended for farm, garden, and home use when seeds are known to commonly carry pathogens or when seeds are being saved.
How to Sterilize Seeds
- 1. Begin by soaking the seeds in alcohol for approximately 30 seconds.
- 2. Following this, immerse them in a sodium hypochlorite solution (Bleach) solution with a surfactant (such as 1-2 drops of liquid soap) for about 20 minutes. Use a ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
- A surfactant is a material that reduces surface tension and allows the bleach to have better contact for cleaning the tiny ridges of seeds.
- 3. After thoroughly rinsing the seeds with water, they should be sown immediately.
Resources About Cleaning Seeds With Bleach
What Surfactant to Use With Sodium Hypochlorite
What Seeds Should Be Sterilized?
Never sterilize seeds being used for culinary applications such as sprouts, grain, or microgreens. Seeds that are used for culinary applications should be purchased from a reputable seed supplier. When purchasing seeds from True Leaf Market, you can enjoy the peace of mind that we regularly test all of our culinary seeds to ensure they do not have any pathogen presence. Seed sterilizing practices are only meant to be used for seeds being planted. However, culinary seeds, including those used for sprouting and microgreens, can be cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and water to effectively kill bacteria, fungi, and mold spores.