Easy to Cold Stratify Seeds

Its easy to cold stratify your seeds so you can sprout many fruits. Grapes, apples, pear, and many others all require being cold stratified for a time before the seed will even possibly sprout. Luckily this is a simple process that only requires a little bit of extra planning and about a month of wait time.

Cold stratification simply mimics a winter cycle. After approximately a month most viable seeds will be able to sprout. This step by step process has simplified it.

• STEP ONE Place some sand, soil or growing medium in a small container.

• STEP TWO Add your desired amount of seeds

• STEP THREE Cover seeds and label container. Date and seed type

• STEP FOUR Place in refrigerator 1 month prior to planting

It’s easy to cold stratify your seeds

Once you have waited your month, its time to plant your seeds. Ensure your soil is mixed with some coco coir or peat moss for drainage and breathability. To reduce transplant stress, I recommend planting a maximum of two seeds per pot. Starting with a deep pot allows a strong rooting system to be in place for the transplant to outside, Creating a dome on each pot will also be very beneficial, this allows you to control the humidity which encourages growth.

Seeds from plants originating in hot climates do not require stratification, however many varieties require longer periods of moist warmth to stimulate their germination. Mangos require a very moist and warm 5 week process just to crack the seed. When starting seeds ensure your growing medium is full of nutrients, by either purchasing new, which can add vermiculite and other beneficial blends, or use your own worm castings. It’s simple to do, reduces your waste and provides you with the safest fertilizer available for plants.