How to Use Potassium Nitrate to Break Tobacco Seed Dormancy

Overview

Potassium nitrate has been used for some time to break the dormancy of certain seeds. This chemical is quite effective and significantly reduces germination time. Tobacco seeds soaked in a solution of potassium nitrate will germinate in around one month. Whereas if planted without treatment, they may not germinate at all.

Step 1

Prepare a solution of potassium nitrate and water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of potassium nitrate to one quart of water.

Step 2

Pour the tobacco seeds into the jar. Allow the seeds to soak for two days.

Step 3

Stir the mixture once daily.

Step 4

Remove the tobacco seeds from the mixture. Strain the contents of the jar with a metal strainer. Then spread the tobacco seeds out over a clean, lint-free towel. Do not rinse them off with water.

Step 5

Plant the tobacco seeds immediately. Then, be patient. It may take the tobacco seeds up to one month to germinate.