I'm trying to grow some Coastal Redwoods from a kit that includes 5 seeds. However, I have to leave for a really long time and won't be able to cold stratify them for the usual 20 days. Would it be better to soak the seeds and keep them in a paper towel until they sprout roots, or is it a lost cause? Any advice would be appreciated!
1 Answer
Coastal redwood seeds actually benefit a lot from cold stratification, which usually requires around 45 to 60 days in moist and cold conditions, like a fridge. Without this treatment, you're likely to see very low germination rates, potentially even zero. My best tip would be to soak them in water for about 12 to 24 hours, then wrap them in a damp paper towel, store them in a ziplock bag, and pop them in the fridge while you're away. That way, they can still undergo the necessary stratification process while you travel!
What if I'm gone for even longer, like 17 weeks? Is that too long for them to be in the fridge?