Soaking seeds?

[grannyjanny]

I was looking at my seeds tonight & it says on a packet of Annabelle dwarf french beans to soak prior to sowing. Is this necessary for all DFB.
Janet

[grannyjanny]

[Pescador]

Never have done, and normally get 90+% germination

[saddad]

It's actually discouraged for most... must have a particularly hard seed coat.
:-\

[Ninnyscrops.]

No soaking needs, pick them small though as they can bulk up very quickly and loose a little flavour.

[Bjerreby]

I'm wary of soaking, but you can alternatively "nick" the hard outer casing with a sharp knife. It lets moisture into the seed, speeding up germination.