Stratification is the process of putting seeds through a cold spell (i.e. pretend it’s a snowy winter) to get them to germinate. I’ve tried it before, and got nothing. I eventually did some research, which suggested I’d put too much water in. So I’m trying it again with seeds taken from Chinese Elms which are on a bunch of streets in the neighbourhood.
I waited until late autumn, when the seeds were beginning to fall off. I assume that means they’re ready to plant.
My research is that the right treatment is:
- spray seeds on a paper towel till the towel is damp
- fold the towel and put it into a ziplock bag
- stick them in the fridge till spring
Programming note: this category is going to seem stupid eventually.