Benefits of disinfecting cucumber seeds with hydrogen peroxide

Cucumbers

Experienced gardeners soak seeds in a hydrogen peroxide solution before planting. This procedure helps ensure healthy, germinating seeds. The substance does not affect the taste of the fruit in any way and does not harm the plants; however, to achieve a positive effect, the dosage and processing order must be followed when preparing the mixture.

Benefits of Soaking Seeds

Hydrogen peroxide contains valuable components; the substance is used to treat seeds before sowing for the following purposes:

Destroying seeds unsuitable for growing. Any planting material, whether purchased in a store or prepared at home, contains defective seeds; these are unsuitable for planting. To determine which seeds are empty, simply place them in a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Empty seeds will immediately float to the surface, while full ones will sink to the bottom.
Disinfection. During storage, pathogenic microflora actively develops on the grains. Harmful spores persist in the planting material, causing diseased seedlings. Peroxide destroys most cucumber infections, preventing the growth of bacteria and any pathogenic microflora;

Rapid germination. When soaked in a hydrogen peroxide solution, the seed coat softens and becomes saturated with oxygen bubbles, further activating it. After a few hours, the seed coat completely breaks down, and a young sprout emerges from it;
Hardening. If you soak a cloth in hydrogen peroxide, place the seeds in it, and refrigerate them, the future seedlings will survive the transplant outdoors more easily and adapt better to the new conditions. The plant's immunity will be strengthened, and it will tolerate lower temperatures well.

Note!

Hydrogen peroxide is used not only for treating cucumber seeds, but also for other crops: peppers, eggplants, tomatoes.

Preparation

Before soaking cucumber seeds in hydrogen peroxide for planting, you need to prepare. To do this, follow these preparatory steps:

the seeds are pre-soaked in ordinary cool water for 30 minutes to soften the protective shell;
A working solution is diluted, consisting of a tablespoon of 3% solution of pharmaceutical hydrogen peroxide and 500 ml of water.

Processing technology

The process of soaking seeds with hydrogen peroxide before sowing consists of several simple steps:

Place a piece of cloth in one or two layers on a clean, dry plate and soak it in freshly prepared hydrogen peroxide solution. If using a bandage instead of cloth, fold it in 3-4 layers;
Place the seeds in a single layer on a damp cloth surface, distributing them evenly. Then cover them with another piece of cloth soaked in the liquid. The seeds should be completely submerged in the liquid.
the saucers are left at room temperature for 12 hours or put into the refrigerator for 5-6 hours;
After the time has elapsed, the treated seeds are taken out, washed under running water and dried.

Storage and planting periods for treated seeds

After treatment, the seeds are ready for planting. If cucumbers are to be grown in a greenhouse, the treated seeds are planted the next day in prepared, disinfected soil. If vegetables are to be grown outdoors, the treated seeds can only be planted after they have sprouted, when they have formed shoots. If the seeds are still in their seed coats, they may fail to open in unfavorable conditions and may be killed by the cold.

Processed grains are unsuitable for long-term storage, as otherwise all the beneficial properties of the process are lost. There is a risk of infection, germination is reduced, and mold will eventually form on the protective coating left by soaking. This will negatively impact the development of the vegetables.