Embedded Files
What is Cold Stratification?
Most species of Pacific Northwest seeds need extended periods of wet and moist conditions before they will germinate. This natural process allows seeds to remain dormant through the fall and winter and germinate during the spring, when conditions favor survival.
A horticulture technique called cold Stratification mimics this natural process where seeds are kept in protected, cool and moist conditions until sowing in the spring.
What is scarificaiton?
A few families of Pacific Northwest seeds have seed coats which do not allow water to enter the seed, preventing germination. This natural process allows seeds to remain dormant for extended periods of time (sometimes decades to centuries), and to germinate after some key event such as fire, storms, etc when conditions are favorable for survival. These families include the pea (Fabaceae), hibiscus (Malvaceae) morning glory (Convolvulaceae), and cashew (Anacardiaceae) families.
A horticulture technique called scarification mimics this natural process where seed coats are treated to allow water to enter the seed, a crucial first step in germination. Scarification is a delicate process, where one must alter the seed coat enough to let water inside the seed, but not damage the embryo. It is often obvious within a few hours to days if a scarification treatment has worked. Seeds which have taken up (imbibed) water, are often larger and a different color or texture than initially.
What are seeds?
Seeds are living organisms that flowering plants use to propagate. They contain an embryo “baby plant”, an outer protective seed coat, and a food reserve that feeds the embryo through germination until it is self-sufficient (photosynthesis).
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse