Acer negundo samaras
Throughout the history of plant evolution, plants have had to adapt to the many changes that have occurred on Earth. One way to achieve a higher germination rate and, therefore, a greater number of specimens that adopted a wide variety of trees and shrubs was to get used to the cold to be able to wake up in spring.
This curious fact is very necessary so that we can currently enjoy the beauty of a large number of plants. Therefore, those of us who want to cultivate non-native species in slightly warmer regions will be forced to make them feel cold. How? By means of the seed stratification in the refrigerator.
What is seed stratification?
Pinus rigida
Once the seeds fall to the ground, they are quickly covered by windblown soil and by the leaves that fall on the adult plants. This way, they remain protected during the colder months. with a temperature that is not high enough to wake it up, nor low enough for the embryo inside it to be harmed. After a few months, the sun warms the ground again and, with the arrival of the rains, its time has finally come.
In cultivation, one way to emulate natural conditions is to sow the seeds in a Tupperware container with a very porous substrate (perlite with a little black peat, for example) and place it in the refrigerator at about 6°C. It is very important open it from time to time so that the air is renewed and thus prevent the proliferation of fungiThus, we will have the seeds more controlled. Time will vary by gender, but generally must remain in the refrigerator for a period of 2 months, 3 maximum.
Now, you can also sow the seeds in a seedbed and leave them outside if winter is cold in your area (below 7 ° C).
Plants to be stratified
Prunus sargentii
There are many plants that need to be cold before germinating. Among them, we highlight:
- All kinds of Arcesand japanese maple or the false banana
- All kinds of Prunus, such as Japanese cherry or almond
- All kinds of conifers, such as yews, cypresses, pines ...
- Some carnivores, like the Drosophyllum
- Olmos, including Chinese elm
Thus, the seed stratification It is vital so that a greater number of seeds can germinate, and you can enjoy more specimens .
