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It is important to maintain the freshness of the seeds in order to facilitate proper germination. That’s why we keep all our seeds in a refrigerator for this purpose. Therefore, in order to preserve their freshness until you’re ready to begin the germination process, you can store the seeds purchased in the plastic bag we provided. You can place the seeds in the crisper of your refrigerator.

On the instructions of germination .Once you are ready to germinate your seeds, you have two methods of germination (2): germination natural or forced germination.

Natural germination: Sow seeds outdoors in the fall. Wintering seeds perform all necessary natural processes seeds require to germinate. Next spring, you should have sprouted seeds.

With forced germination, you complete the germination process artificially. Therefore, you should follow the steps listed below. Each seed is different. However, most of them require three (3) steps. Some may require more while others may require less. These steps are: scarification, stratification and sowing.

1 – Scarification

Each seed has a shell around the inner life. Some are harder than others. The goal of the scarification process is to soften the shell and allow water to reach the inner part of the seed. You scarify the seeds by placing them in water, usually a glass or bowl, for a period of twenty four (24) to forty-eight (48) hours. The norm seems to be the use of hot water. Some seeds require boiling water while others require water at room temperature. Normally, viable seeds will drown after the twenty-four (24) four hours, while others float above. If there are still seeds floating after the forty eight (48) hours, you can throw them away because they are empty seeds. Once you are ready to begin the next step (please note that some seeds require you to go directly to the third step).

Stratification 2 – Cold

The next step is the period of cold stratification. This step is where all the magic of nature occurs. In nature, most of the seeds fall from trees in autumn. Therefore, the seeds pass the winter in the colder temperature permitting the chemical in the seeds develop and initiate the germination process when the optimum temperature is reached in the spring. In the forced germination process, you try to recreate the winter. To carry out this process, use the following materials:

Ziplock bag
Towels
Water

Fold the napkin in half and moisten with water. It should be wet but not wet. Place your seeds on wet paper towel and fold it over the seeds. Place the paper towel with the seeds in plastic zip lock bag and store in your refrigerator for a period ranging from thirty (30) to one hundred twenty (120) days. We suggest you check your seeds every thirty (30) days to prevent rot and allow adequate air circulation. You can also check the seeds germinated. If this is the case, take the seeds sprouted and proceed to the next step. Otherwise, wait for the time necessary before proceeding to the next step.

3 – Seeding

Sowing can be done in the ground or in a saucepan. You can use any soil suitable for planting and culture. Make a small hole in the ground (around half (1 / 2) inch deep), place the seeds in the opening and cover a few millimeters above the ground. Keep the soil moist.

additional measures for certain species

If you choose to germinate your seeds via the forced germination process, you may be required to take this extra step. This step takes place before the cold stratification. All you have to do is expose the seeds at room temperature for thirty (30) to twenty (90) days. This is called thermal stratification and is leaving the seeds exposed in a flat on your desk. After reaching this stage, you resume with cold stratification.