Abstract: A method of promoting germination of seeds and apparatus for carrying out the same. The method involves subjecting a bulk of the seeds to a vacuum for a selected period of time and thereafter subjecting a slurry of water and the seeds to a gas pressure for a selected period of time. The seeds when subjected to a vacuum may be dry or in the form of a slurry of water and seeds. The pressurizing gas is preferably carbon dioxide and the apparatus for carrying out the method may simply be a vessel providing a sealed chamber for holding a slurry of seeds and water. The vessel is adapted for entry and exit of seeds and water into and out of the sealed chamber and apparatus provided for subjecting the chamber firstly to a vacuum and then to a pressure. After the seeds have been subjected to a vacuum and pressure they are removed and excess water is separated from the treated seeds.