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Tree Seed Info
Tree Seed Pre-treatment
This is a guide only as it is difficult to accurately state when a tree seed will germinate, do not discard trays too early they may germinate the following year. NOTE when per-chilling open sealed bags to allow air to enter twice weekly. You may notice seed germinating while in the fridge, remove and sow this seed. Seed requiring Pre treatment (stratification) can be either sown in pots and left outside for nature to take its course (ensure pots are covered to prevent mice eating the seeds) or it can be mixed with a small amount of damp vermiculite, damp sand or damp sphagnum moss and sealed in a plastic bag and then placed in the fridge for the stated time. For the longer stratification requirements of some species it may be practical to sow outdoors where they will be exposed to the normal seasonal temperature fluctuations e.g. those labeled DD. Seed labelled DD50 should be sown in April if the germination is required the following spring, this would give the seed 20 weeks of warm stratification (summer) followed by 30 weeks cold stratification (winter). After Pre-treatment seed requires sowing, Fine seed sow on compost surface larger seed cover, sow in either pots, trays or plugs/cells. Please note some species may take a couple of years to germinate. KEY to code found on seed packet label. Pre-treatment to be applied prior to sowing the seed.
L Pour several lots of hot water (not boiling) over the seeds or rub seed on sandpaper to break down the seed coating, leave the seeds to soak for 5-10 hours until seed coating has softened and seed swollen slightly if no swelling takes place (seed does not imbibe water) continue soaking or break down outer seed surface and then soak, Continue treatment until 75%+ of seeds imbibe water. then sow seed at 18° C +
SD These seeds will benefit from a moist pre chilling treatment. Use the same technique as code PC below
PC These seeds are not actually dormant, but will germinate faster if given a moist chilling (or pre-chilling) at 0-2°C for up to 10 weeks.
Pre soak seed for 24-48 hours drain and place in polythene bag or container and tie while still moist place in fridge, keep mixed regularly during cold storage, store for the time indicated on label or minimum 4 weeks. Then sow seed at 18° C +
ND or O No pre-treatment required, sow at 18° C +
MD These seeds will not germinate at all unless given a lengthy period of chilling. Soak seed in running water for 48 hours, drain and mix with sieved peat and sharp sand or vermiculite. (Mix with equal volume of sieved peat and sharp sand mist sprayed to dampen do not get the medium too wet or seed will rot). Place in polythene bag tie lightly, store for the number of weeks indicated on the label for that species, e.g. MD14 = 14 weeks chilling, some seed will require warm stratification first this will be indicated on the label
e.g. MD16; 2 weeks at 16-20° C followed by 14 weeks cold strat (pre chilling). Tree Seed often has more even germination if kept for 2 weeks at 18-20° C prior to chilling period.
Mix the seed twice a week in the bag to allow fresh air to enter and the seed to breathe.
DD These seeds are deeply dormant and require a lengthy period under warm and cold conditions. Natural temperature fluctuations are the most effective i.e. sow outdoors and allow nature to take its course.
Mix with equal volume of sieved peat and sharp sand mist sprayed to dampen do not get the medium too wet or seed will rot. Soak seed in running water for 48 hours, drain and mix with sieved peat and sharp sand. The conditions can be given artificially by using a warm room and refrigerator. Dry seed often has more even germination if kept for 2 weeks at 18-20° C. Treat the seed for the number of weeks indicated for the species. Mix the seed twice a week in the bag to allow fresh air to enter and the seed to breathe.
Monkey Puzzle Tree Pre treated Seed when available (Araucaria araucana) BZ036
Germinated seeds Pot up on receipt into 9cm pots of gritty compost with added pearlite either lay seed on surface & lightly cover root radical, Or can be inserted sprouted part (root radical) fully into compost leaving 1/3 of seed above compost. Grow on outdoors but protect seedlings during very cold weather ( & from squirrels mice etc) or in greenhouse. Due to the warm climate of these trees growing on in greenhouse/indoors is the preferred method.
Pre-Treated Seeds
Recommended compost 70% moss peat or well rotted garden compost 20% medium grit or pearlite 10% loam and slow release fertiliser, this compost is suitable for all the tree seeds. The seed has been subject to a cold period of 6 to 18 months and are ready to sow on receipt some seeds will have already have germinated. For the best results from these seeds place in bottom of refrigerator on receipt until end of March (if receiving them early winter onwards), check seed weekly to see if any have started to germinate, if so, sow the seed in a frost free place. Sprinkle seed over the surface of the compost, keep compost just moist (too much water can rot the seedlings) germination may take several months, please note not all the seed will germinate and it is advisable not to discard the seed for a couple of years. Seed from Acer palmatum may not always come true to the parent tree, many will produce a range of variable seedlings, many may be unique.
Stratification :- Tree seeds have to be subjected to a period of cold and warm stratification to break their dormancy before germination takes place, as it would normally in the spring. You can provide the period of cold by adding the seed to damp sieved peat, sand or vermiculite and putting it in a plastic bag in the fridge for 2-32 weeks dependant on species.