Stratification success

Ablueonion

Hello all.
I'm sure this subject has been covered in past threads but for the benefit of those who wish to work from scratch (growing trees from seed).
This recipe from my own trial and error has brought 85 to 95% success rate in germinating several types of tree seed, including Acer Palmatum, Betula, Crataegus, Cornus, Gleditsia, Nyssa, Quercus, Ulmus, and others.
Some seed such as Cornus (dogwood) have to have their flesh removed before storage which I do by soaking them in a bowl of lukewarm water with a drop or two of liquid dish soap. for about 6 to 8 hours. (All) flesh must be removed or fungus may set in during the stratification period.
I start collecting seed for most of the above species from late Sept. to late Oct. in my area (zone7). Other areas may vary slightly. This assures the seed to be mature for collection.
After collecting seed, they are allowed to dry in trays or dish plates (do not use paper plates) for about 3 days. (Any longer may damage their ability to conserve energy during storage.)
After three days, soak seed in bowls of water for at least 36 hours (a little longer wont hurt). You may need to change the water in the bowl a few times to assure the seeds absorb clean water (this, ladies and gentlemen, is part of the secret of keeping your seed from getting fungus during storage). I do not use paper towels with any solution placed with the seed. The paper towel may very well cause the seed to germinate too early, and as a result, seeds will be too weak to survive.
At least that is my experience on the matter.
After the three day period the viable seed will sink to the bottom, the rest will float. (Discard the floaters.) Place the seed on paper towels such as the brown type you see at schools, hospitals,etc (these have less loose fiber to mix in the seed (the fungus thing again). Gently press and dry the seed, do it over again two or three times until you are satisfied they are (DRY) on the outside coating.
About 20 to 30 small to med. size seed should be placed in ziplock baggies about the size of a playing card (not sandwich size) too much air is not good. Gently roll the baggie toward the zip until most of the air is out. Lock it and place in the lettuce crisper where the constant temperature needs to stay between 37 and 39 degrees F. no more no less.
About every 5 to 7 days take bags out and gently shake condensation off from the inside walls of the bags, you can flip the bags over and let them sleep on the other side till next turn.
Most tree seed need a full three months to simulate winter in nature. More time won't hurt, but, less than that, may.
If I collect seed beginning in late Sept. means some of my seed are in storage for up to five months because as with Acer Palmatum I plant in Feb.
With this particular seed, the ground temperature must be between 58 and 62 degrees F. for them to germinate. At least that has been my experience. Other folks may have different ways of germinating seed depending on ground temperatures.
For my seed beds, I use (Peters Grow Mix). This brand works for me because it does not form a crust from repeated waterings, some seed just can't break through a crust and therefore die.
I plant the seed to a depth of no more than the length of the seed.
The bed must be kept slightly moist until germination. (not soaking wet)
This recipe has worked very well for me for the last ten years.
I hope it will help others as it has for me.
If anyone would like to add a thought feel free.
Good luck with your seeds.

__________________
Lawnmower man in your head now.

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DavidN

It's always great to read an article of someone's actual experience.