Lecture Notes: Cold Stratification in Gardening

Introduction

• Presenter: Luke from Am I Gardener channel.
• Reason for absence: Was sick over the weekend, now feeling better.
• Topic: Cold stratification in seeds.

What is Cold Stratification?

• Definition: Process of putting a seed through a dormancy period (usually cold).
• Natural Occurrence: Happens naturally in colder climates during winter.
  • In warmer climates, stratification is more difficult.
  • In places like Michigan, stratification occurs naturally outdoors.
• Importance: Essential for perennial plants to ensure a robust root system before winter.

Seeds Requiring Cold Stratification

• Perennials: Need cold stratification to germinate properly.
  • Examples: Strawberries, blueberries, other perennial fruits and vegetables.
  • Biological Reason: Seeds won’t sprout until they sense cold, ensuring a full growing season.
• Alliums: Onions, garlic, chives, shallots.
  • Requirement: Cold stratification needed for bulbs to divide and multiply.

Seeds Benefiting from Stratification

• Mediterranean Herbs: Mint, lavender, rosemary, tarragon, parsley, thyme, oregano.
  • Not required but improves germination rate and speed.
  • Reason for improved rates: Reduces rot risk by expediting germination.

How to Properly Cold Stratify Seeds

• Basic Steps:
  1. Materials Needed: Plastic Ziploc bag, paper towel.
  2. Moisture: Critical to have adequate moisture without over-saturation.
     • Fold paper towel, moisten it but keep some dry corners.
     • Equilibrium of moisture is key.
  3. Application: Sprinkle seeds on moist paper towel, press them gently to ensure contact.
  4. Storage: Place flat in the back of the fridge for consistent cold temperature.

Duration of Cold Stratification

• Requirement-based:
  • For seeds needing cold stratification: 4 to 6 weeks.
  • For seeds benefiting from it, like lavender: 2 to 3 weeks.
• Risk of Rot: Longer periods risk rot due to lack of natural drying out as in soil.

Conclusion

• Cold stratification is crucial for certain seeds and beneficial for others.
• Ensure to follow correct procedures for optimal results.
• Viewer Engagement: Encourages questions and comments.

Sign-off

• Reminder to "grow big or go home."
• Encourages viewers to engage and ask questions if needed.