Carpinus Orientalis

Soak the seeds in water for 3 days. Change water daily. When the seeds have been soaked we roll them in moist paper or cotton, and replace them in the plastic zip lock bags, in which they were delivered. We write on the label the date that we put the seeds back in the plastic bag. Now we can store them in the fridge for the amount of time that is stated on the article code. D 8 for instance means placing the seeds for 8 weeks in the fridge. This process we call stratifying the seeds. While stratifying the seeds make sure to check them on a regular basis. Make sure that the seeds do not dry out, keep them moist. Some seeds start germinating in the fridge. Once germination has started, remove the seeds carefully out the plastic bag. Plant the seedlings out in a protected place in a greenhouse or pots. This process can be practised year round. The amount of time that is needed to stratify seeds is described as article code. For instance: article code D 20 means that the seeds need to be stratified for 20 weeks. Article code D 0 means that no stratifying is needed. Never sow seeds deeper than their own size. In most cases it is enough to cover the seeds lightly with top soil. The deeper seeds are sown, the more energy the embryo needs to germinate. Often resulting in failure to break to the surface. Seeds need to be stratified to guarantee a homogenous germination. The temperature changes create a chemical reaction and make the embryo start its germination process. When seeds are purchased in the late summer then stratifying is not needed as the seeds can be planted out and can follow the natural stratification process. However, it is recommended that stratification is practised to guarantee a healthy germination percentage. Experiments have proven that seeds that where not stratified, have a germination percentage of about 50 % less than the treated seeds.