Stratification of seeds

A feature of the seeds of many fruit and coniferous trees, shrubs, as well as certain types of flowers is that they are covered with a coarse, dense shell that does not pass water well. As a result, the seeds grow slowly. Such plants are difficult to grow amateur gardeners without seed stratification.

What does it mean to stratify the seeds?

Stratification of seeds is one of the ways to prepare seeds for sowing, the main purpose of which is to increase germination. It consists in that the seeds are placed in a cold, moist environment for a sufficiently long time (from 1 month to a year). Under the influence of certain temperatures, moisture and air, softening of the seed shells occurs, and sprouts appear. After that sprouted seeds are to be planted in a special substrate.

How to carry out stratification of seeds?

Different plants have different terms for seed stratification. The peculiarity of this process is that it is carried out in two stages for the effect of variable temperatures: first in the warmth, then in the cold. When starting to stratify seeds at home, it is necessary to get acquainted with the recommendations of agrotechnicians to create conditions and duration of the process for certain plant species. Information about this is often printed directly on packages with seed material.

The most common method of stratification is the mixing of seeds and peat, crushed moss, sawdust or wet coarse sand in a ratio of 1 part of the seeds to 3 parts of the substrate. After the seeds are swollen, they are scattered along the surface with a thin layer and allowed to dry slightly (this process is not carried out only with seeds of stone fruit crops). Next, the mixture of seeds and substrate is poured into boxes (can be in cans, pots, plastic boxes), covered with a glass or cellophane film and placed in a dark room where it is kept at a temperature of approximately 15-18 degrees above zero. It is necessary that the container has side openings and holes at the bottom to ensure a normal air exchange and the draining of excess liquid.

In order to protect the seeds from decay and mold, the substrate is periodically moistened with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate and weekly aired for 5-7 minutes. After the required time (each culture has its own), a container with a mixture of substrate and seeds is placed in a cool place, for example, in the basement, on the glassed loggia or on the lower shelf of the refrigerator. The air temperature should be from 0 to 7 degrees. Seeds should be inspected every two weeks, combining it with the moistening of the mixture of substrate and seeds.

Seeds that have been stratified in early spring are sown in boxes for seedlings or beds in moist soil. Experienced gardeners believe that artificial stratification should not be carried out, and it is possible to sow seeds for the winter, late autumn. Wintering with snow under the seeds of spring warm days will come out of the state of rest and give the shoots.

Stratification of flower seeds

Many flower lovers will be interested to learn how to stratify their seeds. It's no secret that a significant part of flower plants have low germination, and without this process it is impossible to grow some kinds of flowers. Almost no seeds of pions , aconites, clematis , buttercups, anemones, irises, lavenders, etc., do not emerge without stratification. When working with a small number of seeds (and flowers are usually planted in small quantities), even in a city apartment, one can stratify according to either of the two simplified options.

  1. Sow seeds in cups (pots) with a substrate. Put the containers in polyethylene bags with holes, put them at the bottom of the refrigerator.
  2. Cut the flaps of white cotton fabric with a size of 10x40 cm, distribute the seeds evenly over their center. Then bend the edges of the flap on both sides, roll it into a roll and secure it so that it does not spontaneously turn. Several types of seeds can be placed in different rolls, marking where they are. Put all the rolls in a container, on the bottom of which you need to pour a small amount of water. Put the container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

Having mastered the process of stratification, it is possible to successfully grow a variety of types of flowers and other plants.