I've been watching a lot of plant-related videos and heard about a method where you put seeds in the fridge for a few weeks to trick them into thinking it's winter. I'm curious if this actually works? I'm really interested in starting oak trees and have a bunch of acorns. I went ahead and tested this by placing them in the fridge. Thoughts?
4 Answers
It works for many seeds! I have seen great results with maples using cold stratification too. Just make sure to do a little research on the specific type of seeds you have to figure out if they need this chilling period.
You could also just let squirrels take care of the acorns for you! But cold-storing seeds works wonders, especially for things like spinach. I’ve had great results after giving the seeds a week in the fridge.
What you're referring to is called cold stratification. It's essential for some seeds to go through a cold period for them to germinate. Each species has different requirements, especially with oak trees. Look up the specific germination needs for the type of oak you have, and you should find details on how long to keep them chilled. Keep them in the fridge until spring arrives; this won't harm the seeds, and it's often beneficial for them!
I've had success using this method on different seeds like pawpaw and various wildflowers. It's a great technique, but remember that not all seeds need it. For oak trees, some species benefit from cold stratification while others don’t, so definitely identify your acorns first!
Absolutely! Cold stratification is the key. Just make sure you're aware of what species you have, as not all oaks need this treatment.