I've been planting morning glory seeds for decades and have always followed the "nicking" advice. There are a few variations on this advice gleaned from magazine articles as well as the back of the seed packet. Because the seed has such a hard coat, it is suggested that one should make a small cut in the seed with a paring knife, or rub each seed with an emery board, then soak them overnight in water. Because I love the morning glories, I have done this faithfully each year. It's not my favorite chore. It is tedious to apply the right amount of pressure to the knife. Sometimes I cut the seed in half by mistake. Often the seed go airborne across the cutting board into points unknown. Sometimes I get busy and soak the seed a few hours longer than I should. But there I am every year, with due diligence, preparing the seeds. And what do I get for my labors? Probably 10% germination. This year it was growing late and I was feeling lazy. I looked at that seed package and said, "You are going directly into the soil this year - no knife, no soaking. I'm done with that." Granted, it was a risk. Four days later the seeds had sprouted at the base of the trellis and I had nearly 100% germination. My new-found freedom today comes from knowing that I will never nick another morning glory seed as long as I live!
If you had as much rain as we have had recently the seeds did plenty of soaking on their own once they were planted! Wet wet soil. All my vegetable seeds sprouted almost overnight this year. Now bring on the sun.
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