Stratification: Exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to break dormancy and promote germination.
Think of stratification as giving your seeds a little winter nap, a simulated cold spell that tells them it’s time to wake up and grow. It’s like tricking them into thinking they’ve survived a winter so they’re ready to sprout when spring arrives. Imagine tucking your seeds into a moist paper towel, placing them in the fridge, and letting them chill out for a few weeks.
In a home garden, stratification is essential for seeds of plants that naturally grow in cold climates, like many fruit trees, perennials, and some flowering shrubs. Without this cold treatment, these seeds might not germinate at all or sprout unevenly. It’s a bit like giving them a wake-up call, telling them it’s safe to come out of hibernation.
Ultimately, stratification is a clever trick that gardeners use to mimic nature’s rhythms. It’s a way to ensure your seeds germinate successfully and get a head start on the growing season. And who knows, maybe they’ll even dream of spring while chilling in the fridge.
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