Seed Germination of Almond Species

Almonds have hard shells (endocarps), and in some species, mechanical and/or chemical scarification, such as immersion in sulfuric acid, is required to achieve more consistent levels of seed germination. Seed stratification is widely used to improve seed germination. Recent research has also found improved germination following treatments with Benzyl adenine (BA) and gibberellins (GA3). Related studies have also demonstrated the important effects of temperature and shell hardness on seed dormancy.