Cold Stratification:
Cold stratification involves exposing seeds to a period of cold temperatures without any moisture. The cold temperature breaks down the seed coat and allows water to enter the seed, which will then germinate when planted.
How to perform cold stratification:
- Mix the seeds with some damp sand or peat moss to help prevent them from drying out.
- Place the seeds in a sealable plastic bag or container.
- Put the container in a refrigerator where the temperature is between 33 to 41°F.
- Keep the seeds in the fridge for the recommended amount of time, which can vary depending on the species of plant. A typical range is 4 to 12 weeks.
- After the recommended period, remove the seeds from the fridge and plant them.
Cold Moist Stratification:
How to perform cold moist stratification:
- Mix the seeds with moist sand, peat moss, or vermiculite to maintain moisture levels.
- Place the seeds in a sealable plastic bag or container.
- Put the container in a refrigerator where the temperature is between 33 to 41°F.
- Check the moisture levels of the mix periodically and add more water when necessary.
- Keep the seeds in the fridge for the recommended amount of time, which can vary depending on the species of plant. A typical range is 4 to 12 weeks.
- After the recommended period, remove the seeds from the fridge, plant them and keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.