Have some old mexi red beans from years ago that I have to “ prepare “ before trying to germ.
Biggest issue is trying to see if they are even viable .... so presoak in bottled water ( non chlorinated ) in a cup with either a drop of clonex or rooting powder ( pinch ) ... leave it overnight , then plant in pot . But to even bump my odds , I add a little tiny ass pinch of myco where seed rests , mist it , cover with soil and PRAY ! ........ lol.
Ive done the scuff method a couple of times .... ( old plastic joint tube ) with a small fine sandpaper “ sleeve “ inside and a couple light shakes to scuff the shell and mostly the area where seed halves join. I guess it helps in rehydration of seed .
Bottom line if seeds are stored appropriately , then I should see some taproots. I do find them a little long in germ times initially but
they grow out of it.
Piece of advice ..... pop as many old seeds you can at time .... if you get a male keep it . Pollinate of the fems that may grow.
Pollinate a few under branches and
keep fresh new seeds. Then you Wont lose that strain . You can also self a fem and do same thing . Beats hanging on to older seeds . I got 5 Malawi gold seeds sitting in a tube , only downside , they run hella long ( 15 weeks ) but if I don’t hurry up and try to pop them and hopefully KEEP the strain then I fucked up.
I’m sure there are other tricks , but either it works or doesn’t .