Too late for zone 5- seed stratification?

It's only March 23 and our last frost free night is usually around the end of May. If I sow seeds now outside in containers that need to be stratified , will they have sufficient time to germinate properly? Somehow that sentence seems clumsy but I hope you all can get my drift. LOL!

I think you should still be ok.Its my understanding that for the stratification process to work.You need temperature fluctuations.It can be 60 degrees one day and in the teens the next,here in my zone 5.The up and down temps is what helps break down the seed coating.Anybody agree or disagree with me?Edge

edge
You are correct---with some perennials. Not all need stratification. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower), Hibiscus, Delosperma (Ice plant) are some that don't.

Stratification isn't necessarily days of flunctuating temperature. Some varieties do because they have double dormancy such as Clematis and varieties of Penstemons. Others need warmth first, then freezing and will sprout when placed again in warmer temp, such as Oenothera.

In contrast, others need cold treatment first, then warmth to sprout, such as hardy Geraniums, Iris, and Daylilies.

Stratification can also be done in the refrigerator. I used a moist kitchen paper towel to sprout all my seeds, both in and out of the refrigerator. I stratified Clematis and Geraniums that way. The Clematis seeds have been in and out of the fridge twice and finally got one to sprout yesterday. I also use my coldframe to sow larger seeds during the fall season, to sprout when condition in spring is right for the seeds I sowed.

And since we live in a modern age with refrigeration, it is never too late to start seeds.

CAPTION: All these seedlings sprouted in a paper napkin, then transplanted to seeding mix, and some into 3" pots.

Here is a closeup of newly sprouted Aquilegia (Columbine) that were first stratified in the fridge.

Thanks Edge and Blomma,

I have a terrible time with the wet paper towel thing...I'm always getting them too wet or forgetting about them all together! So I think I'll just sow them in pots and set them outside for Nature to do what She will :) We still have a lot of cold weather before the end of May, I'm sure...
Planti

Planti
As far as getting paper towel too wet, just wet it completely. Then squeeze all the excess water out. Whatever stays in is the right amount.

Forgetting??? Stratify in the fridge. Then put the baggie containing the seeds where you will see them---kitchen sink, bathroom sink, toilet seat, etc. etc.....

Germination time is much shorter this way and prevents oversowing.

Maybe I should try it again...I have been known to oversow just a little...LOL! Blomma, do you zip the bag shut or do you just fold over the top?

I decided to sow perennials in seed starting mix and set them outside on the front porch with the rest of my "winter sown" plants. But there's a lot more seed to do :)

planti
Here is how I do it:

I found the easiest and quickest way to germinate seeds is to use the Deno method. Wet a kitchen paper towel, squeeze out excess. Fold the towel in 1/2 and place seeds in a corner. Fold one end over the seeds, then fold again. You will have a square. Place this in a ziplock baggie, zip it but leave room for you to blow it up like a balloon, then quickly close it. The air will stay if the track are lined up correctly on the bag. This allows the seeds to "breathe", rather than have the plastic laying on the package. Place the baggies in the fridge for 1 week, then in room temperature. When a radical (tiny root sprout) appear it has germinated and is ready to be planted.

Begin to check the seeds daily after the 3rd day. Remove those that have sprouted, Grasp the seed shell with a tweezer. To plant, make a planting hole with a pencil just large enough to place the seed. Make sure that the tiny root is aiming downwards. Space 1" apart, or more. You can either plant the seed level with the surface, adding soil to the depth recommended over the seeds. Or plant the seed at the correct depth. Which ever is easier.

Wow Blomma, those are great directions! I'm going to give it a try...thank you!

Planti
You're welcome.
I did forget to mention the method for tiny seeds. I tried it with Aubrieta and Arabis. Here is how you do it.

These needed stratification for 2 weeks in fridge. Moisten peatmoss and place in a clear plastic container. I used the kind you get from Albertson when you buy salads. Sprinkle your fine seeds in the peatmoss. Blend them into the peat. Cover container and stick in the fridge.

After 2 weeks, leave them covered in room temp. When you see some sprouts, prepare and moisten a flat of seeding mix. Spread the peatmoss/seed mix on top of the soil. Lightly pat down. Place the flat in a plastic bag and close. Keep it where you will see it and not forget. The sprouted seeds will continue to grow with more coming along.

I'm enclosing a photo of Arabis and Aubrieta seedlings that I sowed as prescribed above. What will I do with them all? Actually, I will thin them out to stand 1" apart. Since I am the seed-sower in the family, I will share with my daughter.



This message was edited Mar 24, 2009 5:27 PM

Here is a photo of a blooming Aubrieta deltoidea (Rock Cress), a mat-forming perennial that blooms early spring.

Arabis caucasica (Wall Rock Cress) is similar with white blooms and more drought resistant.

Or, wintersow.

Karen