What Is Stratified Seed? |
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The embryo of many tree and shrub seed is immature when the seed falls off of the tree. They require a period in a moist, cool environment to develop to the point where they can germinate, a procedure called stratification.
This stratification procedure has been applied to the Black walnut and Pecan seed. Nurserymen usually plant such seed in the fall. If they have adequate moisture and are not disturbed by wildlife, they usually germinate the next spring and grow very well. Some seed may lay in the soil dormant until the following year. The Stratification Procedure Remove the husk from the seed soon after they fall from the tree. Soak the seed in water for about 24 hours and then place the seed in a moist medium, such as sand, peat moss, or in a plastic bag. Store each particular species of seed at 33 to 41° F for the time shown below. Once this time has elapsed, the seed is ready to plant. If the stratification procedure is done outdoors, start in mid April - by the time the seeds germinate, the danger of frost will be over. It is important not to let the seeds get too dry prior to the stratification procedure or during the procedure. If the seeds do get too dry during the procedure, you may have to start over. The stratification procedure for each of the species below should last the specified length of time.
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