The seeds of some plants sprout only if they spend a certain time in conditions of low temperatures - they will undergo stratification. In nature, leaving before winter, the seeds undergo natural stratification under the snow cover. However, in some cases (a small amount of seeds, a valuable variety), precise control over this process is required. Therefore, if a gardener wants to get high-quality planting material, he needs to know the rules for artificial stratification of seeds.
Necessary
- - seeds;
- - refrigerators compartment;
- - a bag with a moistened substrate.
Instructions
Step 1
Select quality seeds. Here the saying is just applicable: do not expect a good tribe from a bad seed. Choose seeds that are large, ripe, and undamaged by pests and diseases.
Step 2
Specify the timing of stratification for each type of seed. For fruit crops, this time can differ significantly. So apricot, quince, pear and apple tree require at least 3 months of stratification, and cherries and thorns need to spend up to 180 days at low temperatures.
Step 3
Before stratification, soak the seeds in a hard, dense shell for 2-3 days in water at room temperature. Remember to renew your water daily.
Step 4
Choose a stratification method. You can subject the seeds to a soilless method or lay them for stratification in sawdust, sand or earth. For the first option, put the soaked seeds in a transparent plastic bag. Be sure to attach a tag to the bag with the name of the variety and the date of the bookmark for stratification. Place the package on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Inspect the seeds periodically, if they develop mold, rinse them gently and change the bag.
Step 5
Prepare the substrate (if you chose the second method). As a basis, you can use medium-sized sawdust, moss or peat. Moisten the selected ingredient and place the prepared seeds in it. Place the container in a room with an air temperature of + 2 ° C - + 4 ° C. Try to maintain adequate humidity - around 50%. Inspect the container periodically, moisten the substrate if required.
Step 6
As soon as the first shoots appear, put the container with seeds in a lighted place. Otherwise, the young sprouts will become too elongated and the plants may die.
