Easy Grow
Dry Stratification
Many native seeds require exposure to cold temperatures as a protective mechanism, so that they do not germinate in fall and have their tiny seedlings killed over winter. The term "seed stratification" originated many years ago when wildflower seeds were originally pre-treated by planting them in layers of damp, clean sand and refrigerating them to mimic the effects of winter. Many native seeds require exposure only to cold temperatures without the addition of moisture to break dormancy. The process of treating seeds to freezing temperatures to break dormancy is referred to as "Dry Stratification." Most of the prairie grasses and many prairie flowers require simple dry stratification. Seed can be dry stratified by placing it in a refrigerator or freezer for 30 to 90 days prior to seeding. Large quantities of seed can be stored in an unheated building over winter in rodent-proof metal containers.
Many native seeds require exposure to cold temperatures as a protective mechanism, so that they do not germinate in fall and have their tiny seedlings killed over winter. The term "seed stratification" originated many years ago when wildflower seeds were originally pre-treated by planting them in layers of damp, clean sand and refrigerating them to mimic the effects of winter. Many native seeds require exposure only to cold temperatures without the addition of moisture to break dormancy. The process of treating seeds to freezing temperatures to break dormancy is referred to as "Dry Stratification." Most of the prairie grasses and many prairie flowers require simple dry stratification. Seed can be dry stratified by placing it in a refrigerator or freezer for 30 to 90 days prior to seeding. Large quantities of seed can be stored in an unheated building over winter in rodent-proof metal containers.