ORGS Seed Guide

ONTARIO ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY

SEED GERMINATION GUIDE

This Seed Germination Guide lists all the species contained in the ORGS Seedex from 1995 to 2002 for which we have germination data.
The guide provides a single germination technique selected from a variety of successful approaches for each species.
While this data is based primarily on the experience of ORGS members, we have also relied extensively on methods described by Norman Deno (Seed Germination Theory and Practice) and Tom Clothier (www.anet-chi.com/~manytimes/index.htm). The suggested methods should provide reasonable germination of dry seeds stored 6 months @ 20C, except where noted.
We are continuing to collect complete data on many species.
If you have suggestions for improving this guide or additional information about germination, contact:
Carol Clark, 88 Cottonwood Drive, Toronto, Ont. Canada, M3C 2B4.
(416)444 -3371 E-mail carol.clark@utoronto.ca

WHAT OUR TEMPERATURE DESIGNATIONS MEAN

4C

Either place seeds outdoors to be exposed to a wide range of winter temperatures including freezing or put them in a refrigerator (not a deep freezer).

10C

Either place seeds outdoors in spring or fall or choose a very cool indoor location.

20C

Either place seeds in a sheltered outdoor location in mid to late spring or grow at room temperature.

SYMBOLS

*

This species needs special care as described.

!

Sow immediately. The viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed.

LETTERS

A

Sow @ 20C. Seed germinates within 3 months.

B

Sow @ 20C. If seed does not germinate within 3 months, try 4C for 1-2 months.

C

Sow @ 20C for 3 months, then place @ 4C for 3 months.

D

Use repeated cycles of 20C, then 4C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged.

E

Sow @ 20C for 6 weeks, then place @ 4C for 6 weeks, then slowly raise temperature to 10C for 6 weeks. If there is no germination, repeat the cycle.

F

Sow @ 4C.

G

Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months.

H

Use repeated cycles of 4C, then 20C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged.

J

Sow @4C for 3 weeks, then place @20C.

K

Sow @ 10C.

L

Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in spring.

M

Store seed in moist medium @ 4C for 3 months, then @ 20C until radicle appears. Repeat cycle until leaf appears.

N

Sow directly in garden.

NUMBERS

1

Resents transplanting.

2

Requires darkness.

3

Requires light.

4

Germination is improved by using GA3.

5

Germination is successful only when GA3 is used.

6

Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper.

7

Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours.

8

Pulpy coat inhibits germination. Remove by soaking and rinsing in clean water daily for 7 days.

9

Tails may inhibit germination. Remove them.

GA - 3

GA-3, a chemical released by fungi in rotting vegetation, has been shown to promote germination of a number of species.
Its use is described in Seed Germination Theory and Practice by Norman Deno.
A source is J.L. Seedsman, Star Route 2, Box 337, La Honda CA, USA 94020 or www.jlhudsonseeds.net/GibberellicAcid.htm

Web Admistrator: Peter Gill - webmaster@owgs.zzn.com

WHAT OUR TEMPERATURE DESIGNATIONS MEAN
4C	Either place seeds outdoors to be exposed to a wide range of winter temperatures including freezing or put them in a refrigerator (not a deep freezer).
10C	Either place seeds outdoors in spring or fall or choose a very cool indoor location.
20C	Either place seeds in a sheltered outdoor location in mid to late spring or grow at room temperature.

SYMBOLS
*	This species needs special care as described.
!	Sow immediately. The viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed.

LETTERS
A	Sow @ 20C. Seed germinates within 3 months.
B	Sow @ 20C. If seed does not germinate within 3 months, try 4C for 1-2 months.
C	Sow @ 20C for 3 months, then place @ 4C for 3 months.
D	Use repeated cycles of 20C, then 4C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged.
E	Sow @ 20C for 6 weeks, then place @ 4C for 6 weeks, then slowly raise temperature to 10C for 6 weeks. If there is no germination, repeat the cycle.
F	Sow @ 4C.
G	Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months.
H	Use repeated cycles of 4C, then 20C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged.
J	Sow @4C for 3 weeks, then place @20C.
K	Sow @ 10C.
L	Expose to fluctuating outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in spring.
M	Store seed in moist medium @ 4C for 3 months, then @ 20C until radicle appears. Repeat cycle until leaf appears.
N	Sow directly in garden.

NUMBERS
1	Resents transplanting.
2	Requires darkness.
3	Requires light.
4	Germination is improved by using GA3.
5	Germination is successful only when GA3 is used.
6	Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper.
7	Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours.
8	Pulpy coat inhibits germination. Remove by soaking and rinsing in clean water daily for 7 days.
9	Tails may inhibit germination. Remove them.