Cold stratifying seeds is simple and easy, but many gardeners fail to do it. This episode covers how to do it, what cold stratification is, which plants need it, and which ones don’t need it.
St. Johns, Artichoke, Strawberry, Mary Washington Asperigus, Catnip, Marshmellow, Thistle, Lemon Balm, Lavender, fruit trees, perrinials. 2-3 weeks in fridge. Thanks so much. Been a lavender issue for me.
I tried cold stratifying lavender both in the fridge and in the freezer last year and had success with both methods! I did not know strawberries needed it though! That explains my 0% germination of my wild strawberries in my basement haha. They were a different company's seed though and a few years old. I wish all seed companies would put "NEEDS COLD STRATIFICATION!!" in big bold letters on the package since it's so important for germination!!
I just go to the frozen fruit section of the grocery store and I buy the mixed bag of fruit with blackberries strawberries raspberries just throw the berries on the surface of my planter and I sprinkle dirt on top of it and leave it out over winter and in the spring I had almost every seed sprout. So if you want to skip that stratification and freezing just buy them already frozen fresh fruit.
@@zeldasmith1088 that's a great idea! And if you wanted a particular local variety, just buy a few extra when they're in season, and freeze the leftovers to do that with them the following season
@@FloraM44 I've started kiwis and mango and I just started 3 big pots with 2 kinds of blueberries,2 kinds of blackberries, and 2 kinds of raspberries and 5 small pots of lavender seeds. The frozen berries I planted last year all came up so this yr they will be 2. Hope you all have a wonderful gardening season 💯
I tried growing lavender from seed for 3 years. Nothing. Then I saw an older video of yours talking about cold stratification. I ordered lavender seeds from you and did the cold stratification and had over 90% germination which I'd heard was very high for lavender.
I went through 3 packs of MI Gardner lavender seeds before I learned from his older video as well. I winter sowed them this year in milk jugs and got at least 90% also.. 😂
This puzzles me a bit... I mean: why should seeds need a refrigerator and can't make it just on their own outside? I'm sure this method is science-backed and it really works but it still seems strange. 🤔
Luke if some seeds need the cold to germinate, why would they leave that information out on the seed packet? Shouldn't that be part of the information on the seed packets?
I would also like to see a list of seeds that shouldn't be dried out before planting such as citrus. You deserve to have a million subscribers! You have great videos!
People are really going to need to know how to garden with the supply chain situation going on. Canning supplies are already being purchased. Appreciate your channel.
I am on my 2nd year of planting a garden with my son. Watching your videos has been a blessing. I had NO knowledge of planting what so ever but our very first garden was a big success because of your videos. We had tomatoes as big as our hands. We had tried tomatoes a few times before and failed. We are in our second year for asparagus and can’t wait til a year more so maybe can eat some. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to teach our 17 year old about gardening. He loves it.
Hey Luke! I've been waiting a while to catch a video within the first hour I just want to say thankyou so much for inspiring me and many more people to get into gardening. Congrats on the soon awaited million subscribers. Oh also thanks for the extra seeds! 👍😁
Thank you for this video! I only learned about Cold Stratification: today! Now I have to push a handful of things back a few weeks, but I would rather do that than be disappointed with poor germination rates.
Well, like I've always said, don't plant anything without watching MIgardener's videos!! I bought lavender and had no idea I had to use the cold stratification method for them!!! A gazillion thanks, Luke!!❤
MIlkweed (non-invasive) also appreciates stratification. Last year - I germinated so much I had to give away. I have not had any luck with germinating lavender in my area (5a/b); this year I am trying Munstead which is supposed to be more cold hardy. We'll see. This is great - shows how easy it is. Thank you!
Learn something new every day. That's what I love about gardening. I've been gardening since I was able to walk. Never knew about cold stratification. Probably because I've always had a tiny yard to grow in so I've always stuck with the basics. But we just bought 25 acres and can't wait to try growing so many new things. Thanks for the information
I generally start cold stratifying my peach and apricot seeds right after Christmas in my fridge in butter tubs and pull and pot them around Valentine’s Day. I try to do about 10-20 of each variety every year. I keep them for about a year then keep the best couple to plant and sell the rest.
I've never commented on your videos... I've enjoyed your content for several years now--I've been impressed at how much you know about gardening at a young age. My experience with cold stratification -- we've done this for decades -- the freezer. The 2-3 weeks can be extended. Mold is not an issue. Thank you again. You do a great job.
Hi Luke, I'm wondering why your seed packets don't tell us to cold stratify these seeds? I'm certain we would have much greater success and germination rates if that was added. Hope you add a sticker in the future. Thanks! Kate
Thank you so much for sharing your gardening wisdom. I never knew this trick. You are a great detail oriented teacher, that is why your channel has grown so much! You are the best!
Thanks for posting about this topic! This explains why my lemon balm and lavender did not germinate last year. I was in a rush and did not read the seed packet carefully.
I get some good germination by doing the same but putting lavender in the freezer for 3-4 days. Probably not as good germination as yours but in a pinch it will work.
I finally subscribed since I watch you so much and have learned from you. I live at 8,000ft in Colorado and been gardening for 40 years here. Still things to learn. At point of starting seeds needing this and looking how others are doing it. Thanks.
I don't use your seeds as I'm in Australia, but now I know why I've had trouble with some seeds. Mallow and Lavendar in particular - the packs don't mention it. I have grown lemon balm without - guess I got lucky :) Great information 👍👍
Another incredible RU-vid video!! I was always wondering what this cold stratification thing was about! Thank you so much for making such inormative videos for! Always a pleasure ☺️
First time growing celery. I’m experimenting with two methods of cold stratification. I had put one batch of seeds in a little zip lock bag in fridge based on another RU-vid channel instruction, and then I watched your paper towel method on one of your celery specific videos….so I “damp” cold stratified several celery seeds…just got both seed groups in seed starting trays…. Kind of a little experiment 😆 Gonna use your method for lavender next. Thanks for your videos and instruction….congrats on your almost 1 million 🎊
If that doesn't work, try freezing them overnight in the baggie, then a day in the fridge, then a few days in the window or under lights. I got seedlings in 2 weeks this way.
Update: The seeds in the damp paper towel stratification group started germinating in about 6 days and look healthy (and adorable 😆). Still waiting for the just seeds in the fridge group. (Both groups had been placed in fridge for about 4 weeks).
I am so glad you did this video! It will help me out a lot for the MiGardener seeds I purchased. Also caught the video you did yesterday. All this is good for zone 6 garden 😀. Thanks Luke, you are the best!
Gracias por enseñando y compartir tanta sabiduría que llevas y nos las enseña con tanto amor y muy clara. Dios te bendiga y guíe tu camino.Un abrazo fuerte desde Puerto Rico. Las semillas de Rosas y otras flore que tiene semillas diminutas se puede usar esa Método de Estratificación.Gracias!!!!
Luke you deserve 1 million! Ty for sharing your knowledge with us! I did use stratification with my fridge weeks ago. Next year do video early because in my zone and yours to be honest this is late
Such valuable information. Thank you, Luke, for all you do! I REALLY appreciate all the time and effort you put into your videos. Wishing you great success!
Your video was so helpful thanks! I have a few questions. I am just a bit unsure - after 2-3 weeks plant seeds- in ground or inside? In potting mix? Do I have to see if they have sprouted or just seeds? Off the paper towel? Last time I tried I couldn't get them off without damaging. Thanks for your help😊
Oooooooooo!!!! Thank you for this Luke!!! I harvested a binch of columbine seeds today and i also have lavender, and a fea other seeds that woll need cold stratification before planting. Im so excited to try this ❤❤❤❤❤
hay Luke great video I was wanting to cold Stratify some perennial seeds for my garden this year but I found out I am to late I guess I am going to wait util next season
I purchased a bunch of your seeds today MI gardener… I normally only purchase through Johnny seeds or bakers creek your prices are phenomenal and reviews really looking forward to planting some of these seeds this year
Great information! I'm working on trying to propagate my white bleeding hearts, I didn't cold stratify them and should have. Don't forget to label the bag with what the seeds are. I might even put the seed packet inside another smaller zip lock bag and stick it inside with the seeds.
Could you do a video on all the garden veggies that are perennial for your northern climate? I saw the one where you said blue curled scotch kale is perennial and was wondering what else is?
I love how you broke this down into simple, doable steps that anyone can do. After watching this, I think I will try my hand at starting strawberries from seed. Thank you :)
Thank you for showing us how to cold stratify! I have a bunch of perennial flower seeds I am trying your method with this year. Do you have recommendations on how to transfer the seeds from the wet paper towels into the growing medium? Is there a way to do this that allows the seeds to sprout before being transferred? (So less thinning later on is needed?
I love your videos! Thanks for all the great information! I agree with some of the other commenters that all seed packs should specify if it needs to be cold stratified, but I have only just begun ordering seeds from you, so I don't have personal experience whether your packages state this or not.
Watching video a day after planting asparagus in trays with greenhouse covers and putting under lights. Now they are all outside in the cold hoping that will do it!!
Hey Luke! On the back of my MIGardner Alexandria Strawberry 🍓🍓seed packet its stated to start indoors, cold stratify 5-7 weeks before last frost. Am I supposed to cold stratify these for 5-7 weeks then? Or do I stratify for 2 weeks and then plant indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost. Thanks for all your help and time spent with your videos! Much appreciated 💯💯👊👊
@@JamieR2077 Thanks for your reply. I did notice that in the video but wasnt sure if the 2 weeks was already added to the 5-7 weeks on the packet. Its confusing with the way its worded on the packet
I've never had any luck with the paper towel method. They always mold or don't sprout. I'm trying the cold sewing method with those types of plants this year
I grew for the first time marshmallow and milk thistle last year without stratification and they did very well. I didn't know they needed to be stratified
