Detailed Explanation of Methods for Germinating Woody Flower Seeds

There are five main methods for germinating seeds of forest trees and flowers: the soaking method, the stratification method, the dewaxing and degreasing method, the seed coat breaking method, and the cold frame germination method. These five methods are described in detail below.

Soaking Method

Some seeds need to be soaked in cold or warm water before sowing so that they absorb water and swell, which allows them to germinate earlier after sowing. Some seeds only need to be sprayed with warm water before sowing so that they are evenly moistened, then dried in the shade before sowing.

Generally, small seeds can be soaked in cold water for 3-5 days and then sown; seeds with thick seed coats need to be soaked in warm water at about 45 degrees for 3-5 days before sowing. Seeds such as black locust, peach, plum and apricot need to be scalded with hot water.

Specific Operation

After putting the seeds into a vat, pour in hot water at about 85 degrees, using an amount of water 2-3 times the volume of the seeds, stirring while pouring so that the seeds are heated evenly, then let the water cool naturally. After that, rinse with warm water at 45 degrees 1-2 times a day, and sow once the seeds "split open."

Stratification Method

This method is very effective for seeds with a long dormancy period and slow germination. The sand used should be washed clean; the moisture level of the sand should be such that no water drips when squeezed in the hand and the sand does not fall apart when the hand is opened. Store the wet sand and seeds in layers in a low-temperature environment of 0-5 degrees, and sow once the seeds show slight signs of germination.

Dewaxing and Degreasing Method

This method is used for seeds whose outer coats are waxy or oily.

Specific Operation

Soak the seeds in 70-degree wood ash water or a mixture of water and alkaline powder. After the water cools, rub off the waxy layer or oil, rinse clean with clear water and pick out the seeds, then germinate them using the method for growing bean sprouts, and sow once the seeds "split open."

Seed Coat Breaking Method

If the seed coat is very hard, you can cut or scratch the seed coat to promote germination.

Cold Frame Germination Method

Fill a hotbed with fine wood shavings or wheat bran to a thickness of 10 cm, level it and water it thoroughly, then evenly broadcast the treated seeds. After sowing, cover with about 1 cm of wood shavings, spray finely with water until the shavings are soaked through, and cover with plastic film. Once the seeds "split open," take them out for sowing, or you can wait until the seeds grow sprouts and then transplant them.