ONTARIO ROCK GARDEN & HARDY PLANT SOCIETY

www.onrockgarden.com

SEEDEX 2007
GERMINATION GUIDE

If you have suggestions for improving this guide or additional information about germination,
 E-mail carol.clark@utoronto.ca

 WHAT OUR TEMPERATURE DESIGNATIONS MEAN

4C

 Either place seeds outdoors to be exposed to a wide range of winter temperatures including freezing or put them in a refrigerator (not a deep freezer).

10C

Either place seeds outdoors in spring or fall or choose a very cool indoor location.

20C

Either place seeds in a sheltered outdoor location in mid to late spring or grow at room temperature.

SYMBOLS

*

This species needs special care as described.

?

We have no information on the germination of this species. If "?" is followed by a code, the code reflects an informed guess. Let us know what is successful.

!

Sow immediately. The viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience.

LETTERS

A

Sow @ 20C. Seed germinates within 3 months.

B

Sow @ 20C. If seed does not germinate within 3 months, try 4C for 1-2 months, then 20C again.

C

Sow @ 20C for 3 months, then place @ 4C for 3 months.

D

Use repeated cycles of 20C, then 4C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged.

E

 Sow @ 20C for 6 weeks, then place @ 4C for 6 weeks, then slowly raise temperature to 10C for 6 weeks. If there is no germination, repeat the cycle.

F

Sow @ 4C.

G

Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months.

H

Use repeated cycles of 4C, then 20C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged.

J

Sow @4C for 3 weeks, then place @20C.

K

Sow @ 10C.

L

Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in spring.

M

Store seed in moist medium @ 4C for 3 months, then @ 20C until radicle appears. Repeat cycle until leaf appears.

N

Sow directly in garden.

NUMBERS

1

Resents transplanting.

2

 Requires darkness.

3

 Requires light.

4

Germination is improved by using GA3.

5

Germination is successful only when GA3 is used.

6

Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper.

7

Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard floaters and water.

8

Pulpy coat inhibits germination. Remove by soaking and rinsing in clean water daily for 7 days. Discard water.

9

Tails may inhibit germination. Remove them.

GA - 3

GA-3 has been shown to promote germination of a few species.
Its use is described in Seed Germination Theory and Practice by Norman Deno. A source Gardens North, 5984 Third Line Road N., North Gower, Ont. Canada, K0A 2T0. phone 613-489-0065 www.gardensnorth.com

Web Admistrator: Peter Gill

11/07