One of the most frustrating things in the garden is a lack
of germination. Failure to germinate can occur in seed for many reasons.
However, when planting any seeds for the first time, it’s important to
familiarize yourself with the specific needs of that plant. While some will
germinate quite readily, others may need the use of seed stratifying methods to
achieve optimal germination rates.
What are Seed Stratifying Methods?
Simply, seed stratification refers to the process needed by seeds to begin to
germinate. These processes allow for moisture to move through the seed coat and
initiate growth. The method gardeners can use to stratify seeds depends on the
type of seed and the conditions under which the seed will begin to grow.
Wet vs. Dry Stratification
When it comes to stratifying seeds, there are generally two
ways this can be accomplished: wet cold vs. dry cold.
Cold Stratification
Cold stratification is important for success in growing many
annual and perennial plants from seed. This is due to the specific seed’s need
to experience various weather conditions before it is ready to begin growing.
This delayed germination helps the plant species ensure its survival, despite
any unforeseen climatic events.
Stratifying seeds in wet and cold conditions is one of the
most common treatments for hard-to-germinate plants. To cold-wet stratify
seeds, you’ll need paper towels and a resealable plastic bag.
- Wet the paper towel, and then spread the seed across it.
- Next, fold the paper towel in half and close the bag. Label the bag and then place it in the refrigerator where it will not be disturbed.
- Depending on the type of seed, leave it there for several days to a few months. Different plants will require different durations of cold treatment, so research your plant’s needs first.
After a suitable time has passed, the seeds can be removed
from the bag and planted into the garden or into seed starting trays.
Dry Stratification
While wet-cold is most common, many plants also respond well
to the dry-cold stratification method.
Like the wet stratification method, this technique requires
that growers place their seed into a resealable plastic bag and place it into
the refrigerator. However, dry stratification does not require any moisture.
Leave the seed packets in cold treatment for the suggested period of time.
Remove the seeds and plant them according to label instructions.
Although seed stratifying methods may seem time consuming,
they are vital in improving the overall germination rate of many garden seeds. If
you want to grow hard-to-germinate seeds without the use of refrigeration,
consider the alternative of letting nature do the work. This can be achieved
through proper storage of seed outdoors or through the implementation of the winter sowing method.
One of the most frustrating things in the garden is a lack
of germination. Failure to germinate can occur in seed for many reasons.
However, when planting any seeds for the first time, it’s important to
familiarize yourself with the specific needs of that plant. While some will
germinate quite readily, others may need the use of seed stratifying methods to
achieve optimal germination rates.
What are Seed Stratifying Methods?
Simply, seed stratification refers to the process needed by seeds to begin to
germinate. These processes allow for moisture to move through the seed coat and
initiate growth. The method gardeners can use to stratify seeds depends on the
type of seed and the conditions under which the seed will begin to grow.
Wet vs. Dry Stratification
When it comes to stratifying seeds, there are generally two
ways this can be accomplished: wet cold vs. dry cold.
Cold Stratification
Cold stratification is important for success in growing many
annual and perennial plants from seed. This is due to the specific seed’s need
to experience various weather conditions before it is ready to begin growing.
This delayed germination helps the plant species ensure its survival, despite
any unforeseen climatic events.
Stratifying seeds in wet and cold conditions is one of the
most common treatments for hard-to-germinate plants. To cold-wet stratify
seeds, you’ll need paper towels and a resealable plastic bag.
- Wet the paper towel, and then spread the seed across it.
- Next, fold the paper towel in half and close the bag. Label the bag and then place it in the refrigerator where it will not be disturbed.
- Depending on the type of seed, leave it there for several days to a few months. Different plants will require different durations of cold treatment, so research your plant’s needs first.
After a suitable time has passed, the seeds can be removed
from the bag and planted into the garden or into seed starting trays.
Dry Stratification
While wet-cold is most common, many plants also respond well
to the dry-cold stratification method.
Like the wet stratification method, this technique requires
that growers place their seed into a resealable plastic bag and place it into
the refrigerator. However, dry stratification does not require any moisture.
Leave the seed packets in cold treatment for the suggested period of time.
Remove the seeds and plant them according to label instructions.
Although seed stratifying methods may seem time consuming,
they are vital in improving the overall germination rate of many garden seeds. If
you want to grow hard-to-germinate seeds without the use of refrigeration,
consider the alternative of letting nature do the work. This can be achieved
through proper storage of seed outdoors or through the implementation of the winter sowing method.