# How do nuts germinate in the wild? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 29, 2009, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-nuts-germinate-in-the-wild/511969 "2009-09-29T14:08:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 10
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2009, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-nuts-germinate-in-the-wild/511969/10 "2009-09-30T01:32:32Z")
> [@Scheidt-Hoch](#): > > But if moisture is there, do we know what factors induce the shell to split at the right time (especially if it’s skipping several seasons)? You’ll have to ask someone that has a degree in this field. I can’t tell you details. I did watch a lecturer on what triggers seeds to sprout, and it’s complicated. It’s way beyond my scope to explain. Different environmental conditions trigger chemical reactions in the seeds, some of which stop germination, and others that promote germination. Untended hazelnuts almost all get eaten out by a [filbert worm](http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Europe/Switzerland/photo182388.htm). Wild ones are not worth the effort to gather and crack. Inside is a nut meat the size of a pea. --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-nuts-germinate-in-the-wild/511969)._