vegetable seed stratification? - Ask Extension
I've found that germination of carrots is greatly aided by stratification (freeze moist seeds for 24 hours). I've heard that the same may be true for ...
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vegetable seed stratification? #817069
Asked November 30, 2022, 10:30 AM EST
I've found that germination of carrots is greatly aided by stratification (freeze moist seeds for 24 hours). I've heard that the same may be true for beets. I'm curious what other vegetable seeds benefit from stratification. Can you point me to a reference?
Travis County Texas
Expert Response
Hi Dan,
Chilling stratification is a technique used to provide conditions where seeds may need a cooling requirement to break dormancy. About 1/2 way through the chapter is Box 7.6 with info on chilling stratification.
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/faculty/davies/pdf%20stuff/ph%20final%20galley/Chap%207-%20M07_DAVI4493_00_SE_C07.pdf
I looked for a reliable University source for a list of vegetables that geminate better with cold stratification but most only mention cold statification in passing with recommendations to look at the seed packets from seed producers since they are the ones that develop the varieties and know their ideal conditions.
Here are a few examples I found:
University of Illinois Extension:
Some popular plants that require stratification include many of the Milkweed species, Purple Coneflower, False Indigo, Black-Eyed Susan, Flowering Dogwood, Redbud, and many others. Many times, seed packets will let us know if there is a cold period requirement for germination, but it is always a good idea to research any germination needs; especially when it comes to collecting and saving seeds.
Texas A&M:
https://farmhomestead.com/starting-plants-from-seed/
Sorry, I could not find a research supported list of vegetables that germinate better with cold stratification.
Wishing you all the best.
Bob Kunkel
Chilling stratification is a technique used to provide conditions where seeds may need a cooling requirement to break dormancy. About 1/2 way through the chapter is Box 7.6 with info on chilling stratification.
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/faculty/davies/pdf%20stuff/ph%20final%20galley/Chap%207-%20M07_DAVI4493_00_SE_C07.pdf
I looked for a reliable University source for a list of vegetables that geminate better with cold stratification but most only mention cold statification in passing with recommendations to look at the seed packets from seed producers since they are the ones that develop the varieties and know their ideal conditions.
Here are a few examples I found:
University of Illinois Extension:
Some popular plants that require stratification include many of the Milkweed species, Purple Coneflower, False Indigo, Black-Eyed Susan, Flowering Dogwood, Redbud, and many others. Many times, seed packets will let us know if there is a cold period requirement for germination, but it is always a good idea to research any germination needs; especially when it comes to collecting and saving seeds.
Texas A&M:
Stratification (cold treatment) mimics the cold season that a seed needs to go through to get ready to germinate. Phlox, clematis, primrose, and bleeding heart are a few of the plants that need cold treatment.
https://farmhomestead.com/starting-plants-from-seed/
Sorry, I could not find a research supported list of vegetables that germinate better with cold stratification.
Wishing you all the best.
Bob Kunkel
