How to Cold Moist Stratify Seeds

Learn the two best methods for cold moist stratification of seeds using the refrigerator, and when each method should be used and why. I will teach you how to cold stratify small seeds using a moist paper towel, and larger seeds using sand. Cold Moist stratification that normally takes place outdoors, in the ground over the winter. At least that is how mother nature does it. I will show you how to 'trick' the seeds into thinking they've been outside all winter long, while really they are just in your fridge.

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[winkfinkerstien]

I used the paper towel method a week ago with some iris seeds and have them in the fridge. I plan to complete the cold stratification in 5 more weeks. I check on them every few days just for the fun of it. The anticipation is a bit like waiting for Christmas. LOL.

[laurabennettyoutube]

Watched to learn how to cold stratify columbine flower seeds. Thank you for the informative demonstration.

[winnieinman]

I'm excited to try this with the sand! I'm a believer of the 'paper towel method'. It works! You'd probably enjoy trying a new method I've learned. I've begun putting tough hulled seeds in a container of water in the fridge. Approx a week to a month sometimes. I check for the hull opening every few days. They pre sprout! I've done this with moonflower, honeywort, and lots of ornamental grasses. I'm in the process of trying lavender which is a toughie to start from seed in general! Love your video and thanks for sharing your info 💚🌱

[chipdesormeaux]

Good stuff. Thanks for keeping it simple.

[growitbuildit]

We also have a ton of articles on how to grow other native plants too - so check it out.

[robotortoise]

Thank you! This helped me cold stratify some pitcher plant seeds.

[Im-just-Stardust]

Thank you so much, starting my cold stratification now I was a bit confuse on how to do it. Your video was very well made.

[mycrazyfamilyid]

Clear and to the point! Thank you! Off to stratify my artichoke seeds! 😁

[yadelsyortiz]

Great information and straight to it. Thank you!

[jeffburke]

Small twist on your excellent baggy/ paper towel method--- as many layers of paper towel as you want, but the seed go on top, next to the side of the baggy. Then ... imp part ... seed side down, baggy flat, for stratification / germination. Out to the unheated garage, check in April (Z5b). Transplant to soil as they germinate.
First (and last) time I enclosed the seeds within the paper towels, it was too much frustration for my over-caffeinated, old man shaky hands to get the damn roots out of the paper towel.

[lar]

Simple enough. Thank you for the video. What I don't understand is, I purchased seed packets that require cold stratification and nowhere on the packet does it mention cold stratification. I had to google the seed type for the information after germination failed in 2020, but too late to start again.

[angelasbusybeesgardenandho]

Great information. Thanks for sharing.

[johnnydubbs]

When you use paper towel method you can use cinnamon to prevent molding. Sprinkle some on paper towel after you wet it .

[bennyhana]

Subscribed 1min in because I learned something ! ! Thanks

[michaelguillemette]

we tried sand for nettles, oops too small. I guess we will just put the sand out and see what happens, but we also did sand for turkish rocket and asian skullcap - I can see those seeds in the sand - thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. -North East CT zone 6a

[floatingisland]

Thanks for that video! I was wondering how to cold stratify my Edelweiss seeds, so now I have an idea on how to go about it. Have you ever grown them?

[TangoCharlieAlpha]

How long do poppy seeds need to be stratified? Can you reduce the time by placing them in the freezer, or is that where you put all of your seeds?

[tunahangulhan]

Thank you for the great instruction! I’m going to cold stratify some red maple seeds and I genuinely hope I don’t make it too wet! One small question though as you didn’t touch on that: do I come back to the bag, open it up and reapply some moisture to the paper towel? Thanks in advance for helping out, I’m new to this!

[batmanfromgothamcity]

I'm talking about pine seeds though

[arifurmollah]

I was trying to cold stratify my Norway Maple 🍁 (Acer platanoides) tree 🌳 seeds in the refrigerator but they have failed to germinate. They have failed to germinate because there was too much moisture and mold growth. That’s why they have failed to germinate. So does seed stratification require air circulation to germinate? Do they require air circulation? Yes or no?