Thanks, Joanne.

"Controlled stratification" is terminology that I hadn't heard before, but it fits perfectly.

I successfully germinated my first pansy seeds last year and was delighted; perhaps even more will sprout this year if I alternate warm and cool. Thanks for sharing this tip as well!

Thanks Chelle! I made that up "controlled stratification" I have heard so many people comment that wintersowing is the same as seeding outside, but really it is much more "controlled"
Actually, I guess the entire article is on "controlled dormancy break"
I'm glad you like the article

Wonderful article - thank you so much!

Thanks Vicki. I'm glad you liked it

Thanks very much, Joanne. You said a bookfull in just a few paragraphs.

Someone who scarifies a lot of seeds glued some coarse sandpaper to the inside surfaces of a matchbox. Then she closes it carefully and shakes it really fast to scratch all the seeds gently.

You Hydrogen peroxide trick worked really well on Salvia seeds: not very big, but hey had tough shells. They swelled up like frog's eggs, with a gel coating! I was doing several varieties at the same time, so I used an ice cube tray.

Rick,

Those are all great ideas!! Love the ice cube tray suggestion and will need to try that.
Last year I forgot I was soaking and a moonflower seed sprouted in the peroxide. The peroxide didn't seem to affect the sprout

BTW, I didn't realize that the photos will not enlarge when they are put in a chart. Oops. Here they are so you can view the entire photo

The rest of the photos

Great article Joanne. It was very easy to understand. I did not know about the hydrogen peroxide soaking. I will give it a try.

Love you art print.

My daughter drew that. She like to draw animals, but did a good job with the poster

It is beautiful enough to be framed and hung on a wall.

That was a wonderful article! Very informative! Funnily enough, I have some tough Rose and Acer Palmatum seeds that I wanted to try and germinate, but have previously tried and failed twice. I am going to try once more with your article at hand! Thank you so much!

Pia-Louise,
I hope they will germinate for you. Since you are in Zone 8A and no winter conditions you're best with controlled stratification. For the rose seeds, you might want to try soaking in H2O2, and stratify cool. I would be tempted to use bottom heat after stratification. The floaters when soaking are probably sterile and throw them out. Or, if you have lots of seeds, experiment with soaking in H2O2, them move to the baggy and refrigerate for a few days, then put the baggy in the freezer for a few days, then thaw and sow them and provide bottom heat. You may want to ask Zuzu about rose propagation from seed. She may have some extra or different advice.

Are you thinking of nicking and soak in H2O2 for the Acer?

I am going to be a newbie and ask how do I make H202 ?

You buy it at the store in a bottle. Hydrogen peroxide.

What kind of store would sell this?

Our grocery stores sell it in the section where you would find rubbing alcohol, tooth paste, and things like that.
Call your store and ask them.

Hi there Pia-Louise and WELCOME to ATP

In this country, it would be a drug store that sells hydrogen peroxide.

Let us know if you can't find it and we'll keep looking with you.

I have had a look online, and have seen various bottles. Which percentage solution would I need?

Now you got me Pia. What we have in our grocery store is just one offering.
I think it is the type used for first aid, 3%.
Is that correct Vic?

Joanne,
Great ideas, I didn't know you could soak seeds in straight h2o2. I just soaked some cana seeds in water, then into papaer towels. I think I my nick them after reading this.
Thanks!!!