STRATIFICATION

Some seeds, like those of sweet cicely (Myrrh is odorant), violets (Viola odorant) and sweet woodruff (Specula odorant) have a hard coat to protect them during winter. In fact, they actually need a cold period to eventually break down the outer coat, the period of stratification. Such seeds therefore need to be planted in autumn so that they will be ready to germinate the flowing spring. If this is not possible, the winter experience can be substituted by mixing the seed with damp sand in a python bag or container and placing in a refrigerator (not a freezer) for 6 to 8 weeks. Then move the seeds to a warmer place (about 60-65⁰ F or 25⁰ C) until the first green shoot appears. At the first sign of growth, plant the seedlings into pts of suitable compost in a cold greenhouse or outdoors if the weather is suitable. As with all young seedlings, try to avoid sudden changes in temperature.