Learn more here about seed stratification and scarification and how to use these methods.
What is Seed Stratification?
This occurs naturally if the seeds are left outdoors or in acold framethroughout the winter or early spring.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
Gardeners can break the dormancy of these seeds by mimicking the required conditions indoors.
What is Stratification?
It is a means for them to survive the seasons and germinate when conditions are more favorable.
Dry or moist stratification methods help break down a seed’s hard coat, allowing it to germinate.
Dry stratification can take place in warmer room temperatures, as well, depending on the seed.
Seeds can be placed in a refrigerator between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
For warm moist stratification, the seeds need to be dampened and kept at room temperature or warmer.
Which Seeds Need Stratification?
Perennial seeds benefit from stratification.
Always check whether the plant prefers dry or moist and warm or cold stratification.
Some seeds, likeBaptisia, may need both cold and damp stratification and scarification.
They need to have their outer shell opened before water can penetrate.
For warm stratification, store it somewhere where the temperature remains between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The length of time needed to stratify depends on the jot down of seed.
What is the Scarification of Seeds?
Usually, nature takes care of this when wildlife eats, digests, and excretes the seeds.
Only a portion of the seed is scarified, which is enough to help it sprout.
What is Scarification?
Which Seeds Need Scarification?
Although edible beans are large seeds, they will not need scarification.
Immediately place the nicked seeds in a bowl of lukewarm water to soak overnight.
Some seeds, likemorning gloriesand lotus, have outer shells that are extremely hard and dont allow water through.
This is one way a seed stays dormant in the fall and winter until growing conditions improve.
Animals can also scarify seeds by eating the hard seeds and digesting them.
This is howstrawberriescan make their way around your yard.
Another way hard seeds can be cracked open is by leaving them outdoors throughout a cold winter.
The constant freezing and thawing will be enough to get them to eventually crack.
This process is generally referred to as stratification or cold stratification.
Some seeds are not hardy enough for cold winter temperatures, but manyperennial plantsare started this way.
Key Takeaways
Starting Plants Indoors from Seed.University of New Hampshire Extension.
Seed Stratification: Why Does Temperature Make a Difference?Virginia State University Extension, Piedmont Master Gardeners.
Blue False Indigo, Baptisia australis.University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension.
Seed stratification: What seeds require cold treatment.University of Illinois Extension.
Scarification and Vernalization.Oregon State University.
