How to
Start Native Plants from Seeds
Most
native plants produce a flower which, if pollinated, will make a seed head or
pod. Late in the fall collect the seed pods and allow to thoroughly dry. Remove
the seeds before placing in paper envelopes or paper bags. Store in a cool, dry
location. It is important seeds are dry before storing to prevent mold. Most
native seeds require a moist cold period of time called stratification before
they will germinate.
Germination Methods
Easiest Methods: The easiest way to
grow native plant seeds is to plant them in the late fall and let them go
through the winter where they will sprout in the spring. Another way is to do
snow sowing, used mostly for large sites. Prepare the site for planting in the
fall. During the winter, scatter the seeds on top of the snow above the
prepared site. As the snow melts in spring, the seeds will sink and germinate
on the soil surface.
Winter Sowing Method
1.
In late fall or early winter, prepare containers for growing seeds. Take a clean
one gallon clear or semi-clear plastic container (such as a milk or water
bottle) and poke holes in bottom and all over the sides and top of the container.
Be generous with your holes. This is needed so water can get into and out of the
container. Remove lid so that water can also get in through the top.
2.
Cut 7/8 ways around the diameter about 6” from the bottom. Leave the top part attached
by a small piece of plastic as the ‘hinge’. You are making a little greenhouse.
3.
Turn the container over and label the bottom of the container with a permanent
marker with the type of seed you are planting. Labeling the bottom prevents
fading of the marker due to sun and rain. Yes, even permanent markers will fade
in the sun, rain and snow.
4.
Fill bottom of the container with at least 4” of potting soil. Use any kind,
but don’t use soil from your garden as it is too heavy in texture and may have
diseases.
5.
Plant seeds in the soil to the depth stated on package. A good rule of thumb is
to plant seeds to the depth of 2 ½ the diameter of the seed. Some seeds need
light to germinate, which means don’t cover them, just sprinkle on the top of
the soil.
6.
Water until moist.
7.
Replace top part of container and close with a piece of duct tape on the corner
opposite the hinge. You just need one piece of tape to hold the lid in place so
critters can’t get in to rummage around in your soil. Do not tape the entire
sides. It is not necessary and some water will get in through the sides, which
is a good thing.
8.
Place containers outside in a sunny location. Yes, you put them outside in the
winter in the cold. The seeds need a period of cold moist stratification before
they will germinate. If you have persistent critters you may need to secure
your mini-greenhouses so they don’t cart them off or play with them.
9.
No need to do anything with the containers until spring. Check containers
periodically to make sure they are still moist. Start checking containers as early as
March. Things heat up quite a bit inside these little greenhouses on sunny
days. There may still be snow on the ground, but it could be warm enough inside
them to cause the soil to be dry. Remember seeds need moisture to germinate. You
may have to open the tops on very warm days or when seedlings outgrow the container.
10.
Transplant seedlings in the spring to your garden. No need to harden off
seedlings as they have been growing outside all the time!
Moist Sand or Coffee
Filter Method
You
need to simulate winter by placing the seeds in moist sand or between a folded
moist coffee filter and storing in the refrigerator for a set number of days
before starting inside. Find the number
of days to stratify on online or catalog sources.
Place
a handful of moist fine sand in a plastic bag. Add seeds and mix. Or moisten a
coffee filter and place seeds on filter and fold in half. Place filter in
plastic bag. Label bag and place in refrigerator for the required number of
days needed to stratify. Check bag occasionally and add water to keep moist.
After appropriate number of days has gone by, place sand and seeds in potting
soil medium in flats or pots and grow as you would other seeds.
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