What is seed stratification?

Acer ginnala seeds

Acer ginnala seeds

In their natural habitat, tree seeds have had to evolve if they wanted to adapt to their environment. Some had it easier than others, because thanks to their characteristics they only needed to feel the humidity of the earth to wake up the world; However, there are others that, due to the climate in the place where they live, must have cold at least one winter to be able to germinate.

It may seem strange to us, but yes, the cold is vital for the survival of many plants. But of course, many times we want to have one of those species in our garden. So how do you get them? A great way is to put them in the fridge, which is known as seed stratification.

What I need?

Vermiculite

Vermiculite

To get the seeds to go cold you will only need the following:

  • Porous substrate: It is highly recommended to use vermiculite and perlite in equal parts, as this prevents it from having excess moisture, which could facilitate the proliferation of fungi. If you want, you can put a thin layer of peat on top of the mixture.
  • Quality irrigation water: or, what is the same, rainwater. If we do not have how to get it, we can irrigate with osmosis water or even mineral water.
  • Tupperware with lid: preferably transparent, so that it is easier for us to control the process.
  • Fridge: of course, we can not miss the refrigerator.
  • And finally, the seeds.

How are the seeds stratified?

Outbreaks

Now that we have everything, it is time to prepare our seeds for stratification. To do this, the first thing we will do is clean the tupperware thoroughly with a dishwasher, and then we will dry it. Why? By the mushrooms. These microorganisms can take away the viability of the seeds, which is why cleaning and disinfection is so important. For this same reason, the substrate we use has to be new.

Once we have it clean, we will fill it with the substrate that we have chosen almost completely, and then put our future plants on the surface and cover them with more substrate.

Finally, all that remains is to spray with a fungicide, water and cover the tupperware. And direct to the vegetable drawer, with a temperature of 6-7ºC. It is convenient that once a week we see how everything is going, to also control that it does not lack moisture.

Did you know how the seed stratification was done?


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