The crop maintained germination rates after being exposed to washing and scarifying treatments. The secret lay in scarifying the seed pods. Diamond grinding should not be confused with milling or scarifying. The process of scarifying is designed to remove thatch from lawns. Without the scarifying received by tumbling in streambeds, the seeds are slow to germinate. Seeds need to be pre-treated by scarifying or soaking in hot water prior to planting. Scarifying is normally carried out in autumn or spring.