Sprouting: Floating Seeds?

[Gianni]

I bought some millet bird seed at the grocery store yesterday, and I decided to sprout it.

I noticed that some of the seeds stayed on the bottom under the water while some seeds floated to the top. Is there a difference between the seeds which float and the ones that don't in terms of sprouting ability? Should I discard the floating seeds? And does it differ from different types of seeds like alfalfa, quinoa, or millet when you have seeds that float?

Thanks,

Gianni

[MysticTree]

mostly it is probably just air trapped on the surface of the seed. Give it a whirl round and see what happens.

[Gianni]

This was after a good whirlaround and many hours soaking in water. I still have some millet seeds that float.

One of the reasons I am asking is because we have something here in brazil called "Pinhão". Which are seeds from a kind of pine cone. So to prepare them, you boil them in salted water for about 40 minutes, but you have to pay attention to removing the floating seeds because they may be rotting on the inside and have air gaps inside.

Another reason I am asking is because when I sprout my alfalfa it seems like 15-20% of the seeds don't sprout.

[MysticTree]

You could do an experiment. Skim off the floaters and attempt to sprout in another vessel. Then you will see if they are good or bad.

[Gianni]

Thanks! That's a good idea.

I pretty much had already skimmed off all the floating seeds and they went down the drain, so I will have to wait until the next batch to experiment. Will get back with the results later some time.

[MysticTree]

it will be interesting to know the results :)

[streetsurfer]

Be careful with any seeds going down the drain. Even there they can swell, sprout, and cause a clog. I try to either use the dispose-all side with it running, strain them out first, or flush through with a sink full of water.

[delmar]

I bought some millet bird seed at the grocery store yesterday, and I decided to sprout it.

I noticed that some of the seeds stayed on the bottom under the water while some seeds floated to the top. Is there a difference between the seeds which float and the ones that don't in terms of sprouting ability? Should I discard the floating seeds? And does it differ from different types of seeds like alfalfa, quinoa, or millet when you have seeds that float?

Thanks,

GianniI have noticed floating seeds before. I just never thought to worry about it because they were still soaking. It will be interesting to see what you find out, I guess.