chipping canna seed and alike type seed

I have a feeling Ive seen on the forum an easy way to chip canna and other hard seeds. and Im sure years ago I did them with sandpaper .but is their an easier way please ?

 

I've always done it this way Cannas 2015 using a seed label, pliers and a file, unfortunately the images were posted on Photobucket and no longer display, so I'll try and re-do them after I've finished rotorvating today, or as something to do when it's raining tomorrow.

 

Thanks no hurry

 

Not tried it myself but I think it was @flounder saying you can do it by putting the seed in boiling water for a few seconds.
Personally I used to use pliers and a small triangular shaped file I used for saw sharpening but even a nail file will work, you just need to get through the outer coat.

 

I used a small file on a set-up similar to the one Scrungee will show us. No wonder they called them Indian shot! The seeds are very hard, so chipping them gives you the best chance. It was 8 years ago when I grew C. Tropicanna from seed and they are still going strong every year

 

I haven't been able to do a photo shoot on the boiling water method, as we have a one cup heater which I've since found out doesn't get up to kettle temperatures. Can't do photos at work, but I did some seeds there....distinct cracking so close your eyes and imagine the sound!

 

Thank you everyone . I had enough seed to try both. Even some of soaked ones.
it will be interesting to take note of each one and see what 're different methods work..
Loofah
how long ha d your soaked ones taken to come through since sowing please?

 

I'm just wondering if the hot water method can be used on other hard coated seeds?

 

I have always used pliers and a file for Cannas. 24 hour warm water soak for others such as Bauhinia and Caesalpinia.

 

Tried it yesterday on Kennedia seeds, they had swollen by this morning, sown today.
Hope I didn't cook them, but only used half of the seed I have.

 

Will be interesting to see the result.I'm thinking of trying tree peony. Along with a few more hard seed probably a couple bird of Paradise and two coffee seeds which I have!

 

I've grown quite a few bird of paradise from seed over the years and you don't need to chip them, just remove the orange tuft.
You can put them in fairly warm water then let it cool overnight.