Tree Seeds

[jiggy-gb]

What would be the best compost for me to use to cold stratify various types of seeds? I'm going to cut which ever compost with vermiculite. I already have some sowing compost in, do you think that will do? I tried to get hold of some bark compost but nowhere local sells it.
Thanks for any help anyone can offer :o)

[skylight]

Hi jiggy As far as I know and I'm no expert you can just use damp vermiculite. Put in zip poly bag and put in bottom of fridge for around 90 days. Maybe someone else will either confirm this or give another answer. skylight

[jiggy-gb]

Thanks skylight, I had read that but there are so many conflicting variations! The RHS says you should use many different mediums but then states the times as totally different to most other sites which all say 90 days.
I think i'll go with the vermiculite as at least that won't do the seeds any harm and 90 days is a long time to wait and find out you've got it wrong, lol!
Thanks again skylight :o)

[Billy_Bones]

Hello Jiggy, can you tell me what type of seeds they are? I have quite a bit of info on germinating tree seeds, but it is all different for differernt types. If in doubt, vermiculite is best for most things though...

[jiggy-gb]

Thanks Billy! I have Acer Saccharum, Robinia Pseudoacacia and Prunus Serrulata. Any help would be gratefully received :o)

[Billy_Bones]

Hello, Bill here, sorry for the delay. Okay, Acer seeds are usually described as 'deeply dormant'. So, in order to get them to germinate, you need to make sure they don't rot, while trying to wake them up! Not easy... So, the best way to simulate the natural remperature cycles would be to sow them outside an dlet nature take its course, but not too many would survive, so try soaking them for 48 hoursin warm water (i.e. keep them in a warm room). Drain the seeds and sow them in a mixture of sieved peat and sharp sand. Keep them in the fridge for twenty weeks in a plastic bag. Open the bag and shake it up twice a week to freshen the air.

[Billy_Bones]

Yep, me again. For the Robinia, it's a different problem. For this seed, there is a thick outer coating, which muct be broken down. Some folks suggest rubbing on sandpaper, but I don't like this method, it's too easy to damage the precious seed. The way i would suggest is to soak the seeds in hot water (not boiling) and keep pouring it out when it has cooled and replace with hot agaon until three quarters of the seeds have started to swell up indicating that the coating has started to break down and water is being absorbed. ( After a few changes of water, you may need to just leave them to soak for 5-10 hours). When they have 'had a drink', sow them in a little sharp sand/peat mix and keep them at around 18 - 20 C and cross your fingers. These are fabulous trees, if you get lots to germinate, you'll be able to sell your spares on eBay no problem!!!

[Billy_Bones]

Okay, last one - For the Prunus, 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 - I prefer vermiculite). Make sure this is only damp, or the seeds will rot. Place in polythene bag tie lightly, store for 2 weeks at 18 � 20 C, then give them 20 weeks in the bottom of the fridge. Mix the seed twice a week in the bag to allow fresh air to enter and the seed to breathe.

[jiggy-gb]

Billy, you are an absolute star, thank you so much! I'm new to trees and fancied a challenge after years of growing chillies. Fingers crossed I get a few worth planting.
Thanks once again Billy xxx