Why the seeds don't germinate. Stratification method

Sometimes gardeners and gardeners are faced with the fact that the sown seeds do not want to germinate. Often the reason for this lies in the fact that some seeds need to be helped "to be born" by certain actions. This procedure is called stratification. To do this, the seeds must be kept in conditions of low temperatures.

In December-January, planting begins in containers in houses and apartments of some flower and decorative crops, both annual and perennial. It is necessary to properly prepare your seed for sowing.

Unfortunately, not all packages indicate that the seeds require stratification.

What flower crops require stratification

This procedure is required, for example, for the following flower crops:

1. Delphinium.

2. Astilba.

3. Primrose.

4. Clematis.

5. Rudbeckia.

6. Lavender.

Stratification procedure

Artificial stratification conditions can be created in the apartment. When buying the seeds of the designated plants, they should be immediately placed in the refrigerator. Before sowing, it is better to wet them before planting (small seeds are left dry).

The soil should be loose and light. The surface of the container with the substrate, where you will sow the seeds, must be compacted so that the seeds do not go deep into the ground when watering.

Then the soil needs to be moistened with a sprayer. Alternatively, put a layer of 1 cm of snow, and sow seeds on top.

Then the container must be covered with a lid, in which small holes should be prepared with a needle. Through these holes, air will flow to the seeds.

Then the seeds must be placed in a warm place for 3 days. After the seeds have swollen, they must be refrigerated. The timing of stratification depends on the culture: it can last from two weeks to several months. But usually this process lasts no more than four weeks. Ventilate the container every three days by opening the lid.

After correct stratification, friendly shoots should appear.