Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) germination

[JesusFreak]

I’m wondering if anyone has any experience germinating hawthorn seeds. They have a thick outer shell and Sheffield’s said to “Soak in sulfuric or nitric acid for 0.5-2 hours and wash under cold water for 10-15 minutes., rinse 3 times.” All responses are greatly appreciated

 

[NaoTK]

They are super weedy around here and seeds will eventually germinate on their own. I have germinated them by grinding the shell on sandpaper and sowing outside to let nature do its thing.

 

[JesusFreak]

How far down did you grind the seed? Was it on one side or all over? Any other advice ?

 

[NaoTK]

I ran out and grabbed one for you. I was curious myself how thick that woody shell is so I sawed one in half. It's about 50% of the radius. I didn't grind that far the first time, maybe 25% through on one side.

 

[JesusFreak]

Curious if anyone has soaked in acid or any other softening agent

 

[W3rk]

I’m wondering if anyone has any experience germinating hawthorn seeds. They have a thick outer shell and Sheffield’s said to “Soak in sulfuric or nitric acid for 0.5-2 hours and wash under cold water for 10-15 minutes., rinse 3 times.” All responses are greatly appreciated

I bought the same seeds from them a year ago. I soaked the seeds in like... orange juice for a night, for lack of anything else acidic. None germinated last spring after winter stratification. Pretty sure I've read they can take more than a year so I'm still sitting on them and will see if any sprout next spring.

 

[Shibui]

They are super weedy around here and seeds will eventually germinate on their own.

Many plants with seeds in fruit rely on birds to spread the seeds. Seed passing through a bird digestive system is subject to grinding and acid bath. That's why they germinate so easily as weeds - already pre-treated as nature intended.
I doubt that orange juice or even vinegar will be strong enough to do the acid treatment.