How and Why to Stratify Seeds - What is it & What Seeds Need It?

Stratification sounds scientific, what does it mean, why does it matter to my seed starting routine, how do I do it, for how long should I do it, and what seeds need to be stratified? These questions and more we will answer in today's episode.
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[@xo_ecstasy]

for anyone that likes “straight to the point instructions”. it starts at 5:40 . your welcome 😇

[@dramina2326]

Thank so much:)

[@melissacampanelli829]

Luisa Leon thank you he’s way too chatty

[@miscellaneous5268]

Thank you, I just came to warn others when I saw your warning. This guy sure loves to listen to his voice jesus ...

[@xo_ecstasy]

Miscellaneous i mean i’m not tryna be mean, lol he has some facts and good things to know if you’re new to planting.. just wanted to help others looking to get straight to it

[@withonestonechannel]

THANK YOU!!!

[@amandabarnes8303]

This explains why I've NEVER been able to get my lavender to sprout. Thanks for the info!

[@brookeriedel4382]

me, too! strawberries were VERY unsuccessful as well.

[@travelnjan]

I already have Lavender plants that are about 4 yrs. old. And have been told by people that Lavender usually dies after 2-3 yrs. if so, can I use the flowers of the Lavender to stratify or do I need to purchase the plants that are already grown?

[@dave101t]

i had a single seed sprout, it always struggled but i managed to take cuttings from it so now i have 5!

[@debbiep99]

Same

[@ryanalexander3088]

@@travelnjan Lavendar can last up to 20 years, each year it dies off and comes back again but you have to help it..

[@sandimorreale6471]

This past summer I collected Jewel weed seeds to bring home. I planted them in a domed fast food cup and waited. I researched and realized they needed to stratify. I put the cup in the fridge door and totally forgot about them. Last week I noticed seedlings had emerged! Surprise!! I took them out and put on a sunny windowsill. Lol. They are doing great. Your video reminded me. Thanks for the good video. I hope I gave you a chuckle. Blessings!

[@beautyforashes2230]

As a beginning gardener (second year) I'd never even heard of this, so thank you for the info! A few others in the comments had the same questions I would have had, so I'll check back to see the answers given there. Glad you're feeling better! :)

[@juliekooiker3408]

It was a great day when I received 100 packs of seeds in the mail!!!!!! Last year the seeds that I got from you were by far the best that I have ever planted. Thank you so much for making it affordable to grow a diverse garden with quality seed! So so so excited

[@katiea8014]

This makes me excited to receive the seeds I ordered from MIgardener this years garden 😁😁

[@willmegehee]

Thanks for great information! I’ve always heard about cold stratification but never gave it much thought. I love learning and you are a great teacher. Thanks for sharing!

[@ska9034]

Perfect day to post this video since I started researching this for blueberry seeds. Just made two orders from MIgardener. Absolutely love y'all! Thanks Luke!

[@lakestatebullies7391]

Everytime I hear the music in the beginning makes me think I'm watching a show on pbs. Thanks your videos are so helpful

[@harpereu9271]

Thank You .at last a Definitive, well-explained stratification Tutorial...

[@kennethmoravec148]

Don’t forget to label them, especially if you have other types of seeds in the refrigerator.

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

I was wondering on how to go about this. Thanks so much for sharing Luke! It's always so great to see you. I love watching your older videos, there's always so much great information packed in each episode you do and I really appreciate it!

[@lynnm.johnson5755]

Thank you! I managed to get 1 lavender to start from seed least year. Had an itty bitty plant growing. Left for a week, thought a neighbor was going to water it. Came home to a fried plant. I didn't know about stratifying it, can't wait to try!

[@candykuettel4586]

Great info! Tks Luke I’ve never fully understood stratification. Guilty of just putting seeds in the cold without moisture. 😳 Now, I’ll do it correctly!!!

[@trentclary2732]

I just stratify pear seeds and all sprouted. I just put it put it in a small bag of soil or sand to feed the seeds. I would keep them at 38 F to 40 F for about 3 months. Keep it moist but not to moist or they will mold. They are growing now. I love your videos about gardening. You are one of the Best out there.

[@juanitadafler7233]

Thank you! This explains a lot of what I've been doing wrong. I only had oregano, basil, thyme and dill come up for me this year. Now I know the correct way! Appreciate it!

[@LisaHall-uc8sq]

Awesome video Luke!!! Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us!!!

[@xo_ecstasy]

Quick update - you where a great help! It is super hard to sprout lavender from seeds, managed to have one good one that actually grew in pretty nice and it’s about 5 inches tall now in a pot! Thanks for the guide

[@MelissaZone9BFloridaGarden]

I had to learn this awhile ago living in the south. Great information for all warm climate people!!

[@WalkingScriptureWithShanna]

I love that I just got my order for this year and was looking up cold stratification for my lavender from you!

[@kristenwinter8157]

I am so glad I watched this video. This year I’m getting into planting my own food. I was just going to put the seed packets in the fridge

[@cherlpotter2248]

This is something I never heard of. Thank you.

[@dierom772]

I enjoyed this video. Super helpful and clarifying. I am applying it right away. Thank you !!!

[@azpeach5680]

Oh my word!!! THANK YOU so much for actually SHOWING how to do this versus just describing it.

[@HoosierBenzo]

Thanks for the video! I did not know that rosemary benefited from cold stratification but now I’m going to try it.

[@florencetsai3379]

Wow this was a super useful video! Really appreciated all the details - why cold stratification is needed, what plants need them, example of what is too wet/dry (I was struggling with that).

[@lukasprice5187]

I did cold stratification for the first time this year on some Bonsai tree seeds. The booklet that came with the seeds only told me to leave them in the fridge for 8 days so I'm glad you mentioned 2-3 weeks. I had a success rate of 2/4 seeds that sprouted so I'm a little late to this video but great info for future use. Thanks man 😊👍

[@pauladaniels6936]

Luke makes the most helpful videos. Thanks so much!

[@elihutfles1146]

Great video! I like to use a plastic bag or a lidded container with peat moss. Thank you for talking about the length of time for stratification also.

[@jackiehorsley9263]

thanks for the video luke I really see what your saying I well have to try that some time

[@kaisd4988]

Thank you, it's very helpful.

[@KimmysKitchenandGarden]

Good job we have winter in the UK , this is why you have to store seeds in the cold not in the house or greenhouse. Thanks for explaining it all.

[@saileencruileen2163]

Thanks. So much!! I've been gardening for Quite some time and never knew this. Never had a problem w germination either, but I will do this from now on, especially w seeds that are known to be hard to germinate. Probably the same ones that should be "soaked" before planting. Thanks so much!!

[@cb3dagoat644]

My gardener your one of my favorite youtuber you taught me so much from your videos

[@njp975]

Oh wow! I had no idea about stratification. Thanks for this info!

[@sherrymurphy-kleine4592]

Finally...I've been looking for this video!! Thank you, Luke!

[@lindalisting7338]

Great topic! Thank you so much. It explains why I couldn't get Good King Henry to germinate.

[@samanthalincoln7162]

I have never heard of this before...thank you

[@angiej9414]

This is an eye-opener. Thank u. I will try this.

[@DNK520]

Thanks for all the helpful tips. Trying it tonight!!

[@Murlockingqc]

I'll tell you something personal about me, I usually never agree with other people unless they know what they are talking about and you are one of those people that give true and legit information. I love it, thanks for all the videos! :)

[@jt6259]

Thank you. This is the most informative video on stratification I have seen.

[@Ismimical]

Thank you so much for teaching me about seed stratification, blessings

[@cynthiaedwards5149]

I'm so glad I watched this before starting my seeds. I would have wasted them. Glad to see and hear you are feeling better!

[@rickschulte8594]

Thank you, Luke, this opened my eyes, I was doing this wrong😃😂

[@iamabeautifulwoman2885]

Feel better soon @Migardener.

[@a.cornelia]

Thank you! Very informative ❤

[@tarawalker7193]

Glad you're feeling better, Luke!

[@thedude1971]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@FromTheHeart-777]

Thanks so very much. This was extremely helpful.

[@phirintra]

Wow you explain in simple and clear how to do cold stratification. Thank you

[@mariasosa9676]

I'm glade you feelling better you guys take care

[@OverdoneAndUnderpaid]

Excellent video! Lots of good knowledge here.

[@jenniferprescott8655]

Brand new info! Love this

[@bunnybabybevytv6434]

Thank you for explaining this

[@daliacastello2608]

Glad you are feeling better

[@rudy52350]

Thanks for your help .

[@jengoods2246]

Great video thankyou this helps me

[@naheedqazi7178]

Milkweed seeds I purchased from you, going the stratification right now

[@debbie2663]

I never knew this. You are awesome!

[@JohnDoe_88]

Great video, I would have thought to have some more air since it seemed u pressed most out... I tried with peach/plum seeds before but ended up molding so I'll try again and aim for 5weeks in the fridge

[@justacountrygirl8750]

Hi Luke - would be great if you could list out the different seeds requiring stratification and the ones that benefit but don't require.

[@overthemoon9941]

smiley78 ..absolutely..it’s too complicated with so many seeds that may not benefit at all..

[@alexcamilleri3997]

@@overthemoon9941 understand the principle behind stratification and you can judge whether a seed needs it or not. If the plant is native to regions that experience some form of winter then it is likely that the seeds are adapted to a cold period :)

[@madonnashriver7973]

@@alexcamilleri3997 Perhaps YOU know where everything originates from, but I don't. I would love a list. Tomatoes, garden vegetables...I want to save seeds and want them to sprout next year

[@sonnyg960]

@@madonnashriver7973 google is free...

[@christopheryeung7222]

@@sonnyg960 lol

[@jansorkatie]

I was looking for lavender germination vids and the first five I found to be...unwatchable. Thank goodness when the next one up was from MIGardner!!! Amazing bud! Informative and full of energy! Thanks for making it fun!

[@thefigtreeguy]

Nice video!!! I’ve ordered Capparis Spinosa, caper, seeds and they should arrive soon. Thanks!

[@crosstiger]

Thank you so much! Very nicely done!!

[@rebeccajosteelman563]

Thank you for this, ...as another vid had a woman say to plant Highbush Blueberry seeds that are stratified, but didn't elaborate on what that means. I have some seeds here which I purchased last year, and must get to planting finally!

[@craigslaunwhite579]

What if I am growing BIG though I am already at home? Does that mean I am growing big while at home? Great info, love the passion for plants you have, very informative. Thank you.

[@FadingAway10]

Great video !!! I always wanted to know why some seeds had to be cold stratified. This was so very helpful! Thank you 😊

[@Thankful_.]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@cocinandoconlillie5062]

Luke thank you. Great video!!

[@paulwharton1850]

Brilliant, amazingly helpful - I learnt a lot ! My Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Betonicifolia) seeds are going in my Amana side by side now Many thanks all the way from London.

[@628DirtRooster]

Good information bro.

[@djbuzzsoul]

5:31 this video is great beginning to end thank you

[@donnayoung5942]

Excellent video! You’re my favorite!

[@zepguwlthistle7924]

Best tip stratifying plants I heard so far is from Luke, he said ALL PERENNNIALS NEED STRATIFIED. That sure takes some guessing out of it. Thank you Luke!

[@TheGrayer2]

I did that method last year for the seeds I wanted to start indoors. That way when I planted them in the cells I could just plant 1 sprouted seed per cell.

[@Murlockingqc]

I bet your indoor garden is looking great right now! :) My radishes sprouted, they come out better than they did outside and they are super strong! My lettuce is beautiful, the colors are uniform, no insects or sun damage. Very sturdy ! I'm waiting on the catnip to sprout, I hope I have the same results... All this growing under 2 CFL 60W 6.5K 800L, with the bulbs in a Y socket connector over the radishes and lettuces and the other plants on the outside. Need to build myself a nice reflector and maybe buy 2 more Y sockets and 2 more CFL to keep growing tall plants inside. It's a very cheap option. :) Next month I'm getting 1 T5HO 48W 48" and gonna build my indoor raised bed, or a 'growbox' on top a table. I want to grow my greens indoor, I like herbs!

[@trobey8861]

Hey Luke, I do thank you for putting out these videos they are a lot of help, and entertaining for me. My question is about garlic though. I live in VA and to be honest I forgot about my garlic so it did not get planted in the fall, so can I do this cold stratify method with the garlic bulbs or will it be ok to direct sow them still? The average last frost date in my area is mid April. Thanks

[@thekatt...]

Great video. Explained perfectly. Thanx ❤️🇨🇦☕️☕️

[@stevenfeil7079]

I use this method. You REALLY need to be on top of things if you germinate in the bag. The roots will grow through the paper towel and then it becomes a chore to get them picked into pots. If you put too much water (and he put too much in my opinion) they rot really fast once germinated.

[@jimmytrust8136]

Thanks so much!

[@PHAT4LifeTV]

I WOULD HAVE LIKE TO SEE THE LAVENDAR GERMINATED AND YOU PLANTING THEM. DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO OF THAT?

[@zimrianispresent8123]

Thank you PHAT4LifeTV lol

[@bornyhitch1975]

WHY DO WE SCREAM?

[@delightfulrainclouds6394]

AHHHH

[@fizzypop1858]

Great info!

[@erindekorte]

thanks for the info. I tried growing lavender last year and totally did it wrong and they didn't germinate. I will try your way this year and hopefully i will have lavender. thanks again

[@humbllbug]

I just stratified 150 acorns these past 2.5 -to 3 months, the Swamp Oak. I used damp sand and put them in a ziplock bag with tiny air holes poked in it. I took them from the fridge today and some already have a little taproot poking out, one was 3 inches long! I replaced the acorns with pecans and will be starting an orchard of them.

[@MsMilkytheclown1]

nice video, thank you.

[@lanerundle3003]

This was GREAT. Found you by accident, But glad I did. I am going to try this with Danish Flag Poppy seeds that I have. Wish me luck !

[@cocomochalatte5937]

I put some marshmallow and Echinacea seeds in damp paper towel and plastic baggie just as you did but I put it in the freezer for what was supposed to be a few minutes because my fridge wasn't feeling up to temp, but I mistakenly left them in for two days and remembered to take them out at which point I was sure they were ruined. I tossed them in my rather lukewarm fridge and about a week later I checked them and they had sprouted like crazy! I took them out and dumped them in my garden and now sure enough I have seedlings as it is already time to sow seeds here in Texas...stratification works, just don't do it quite my way

[@stinkymeow2840]

LaBarbara Linthecome you’re supposed to do it for 30 days lmaooo

[@colleenh2939]

Thanks so much! Now I know why i have had problems with germination. I can't wait to try this. Do you have a more complete list of what to stratify and anything that we should not stratify?

[@MIgardener]

Colleen Hughes perennial - must cold stratify, tender perennial - cold stratification is advised, annual - cold stratification not needed.

[@24kgoad]

Please for us less learnered foke name some Please,please, please how about broccli,Iam in a hot humid area, but stil would love for the stuff to germinate, also having a hard time with pepper seads, squash and zucini help , thanks

[@AmazingNatur_]

@@MIgardener Hi i wanna grow lavender from seeds.Will it germinate over here in UAE with stratification or without?

[@DragonmasterKeel]

@@MIgardener how long do you cold Stratify elderberries with this method as the pack say 40F for 3 to 5 months(be for that it says plant at 1/4 inches deep at near 75F for 2 months then the cold as mentioned after that 85F then it say they would begin to germination in 1-2 months can you give any advice for this?)

[@simonebourgeois9544]

Is that why I can never get Lavender to srout because of stratification?

[@PinkChucky15]

Great video, glad you’re feeling better :-)

[@thelonewanderer69]

Thank you so much. Finally an amazing video on the topic. Only thing I would say is that if the seed is too small (lingonberry, bilberry) the tweezers might not be the best way to do this I don't think.

[@celestekittie]

I feel like I'm studying for an exam. Trying to learn so much before ordering from you Friday. I wasn't going to get a lot of cold weather stuff because I didn't know what it was. Like sorrel. I'm anemic!

[@home6392]

Thank you 💡

[@cynthiacisneros1694]

Thank you❣️

[@elementalquartet7276]

If the seeds have already sprouted, would we still plant the seeds at the same depth? Or basically in the same manner we plant ungerminated seeds?

[@lifewithlois7262]

Thanks I will yet this and I am sharing this on my Facebook ❄❄❄❄God Bless❄❄❄❄

[@yvencia1150]

Thank you!!!!

[@amberneidrauer1508]

I was really looking forward to the LED video will it be rescheduled (pretty please)?

[@bowray2787]

Love the haircut, you look good glad you feel better

[@sasuke1243]

Thank you so much, I'm trying out store bought blueberries and Strawberries, and I didn't put the parent fruit in the freezer befoer havesting the seeds. I thought I was screwed. Gonna go do this second part and wait 3-4 weeks!

[@isabelschulz7200]

Hi! Did this end up working for you? I also have store bought ones