Sedge germination & stratification - Ask Extension
Hello--I am planting Carex Flacca in my garden as a green mulch and can find little helpful information online on carex germination. For instance-will...
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Sedge germination & stratification #852064
Asked October 03, 2023, 6:09 PM EDT
Hello--I am planting Carex Flacca in my garden as a green mulch and can find little helpful information online on carex germination. For instance-will I need to wet stratify or direct sow this winter? Or can I simply germinate with light and 68+ degree temperatures. This is the only article I can find that may provide more insight but it is behind a paywall: https://www.jstor.org/stable/20050829 "The Effect of Cold Stratification and Light on the Seed Germination of Temperate Sedges (Carex) from Various Habitats and Implications for Regenerative Strategies"
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
http://www.newmoonnursery.com/plant/Carex-flacca-Blue-Zinger
I was able to find the information that sedge seeds require cold stratification and need to be kept in damp sand at 40 F for 2 months for spring planting.
I think dormant seeding would probably work but I will contact the turf group at the University with your question.
https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/dormant-seeding
It may take about a week for an answer.
I was able to find the information that sedge seeds require cold stratification and need to be kept in damp sand at 40 F for 2 months for spring planting.
I think dormant seeding would probably work but I will contact the turf group at the University with your question.
https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/dormant-seeding
It may take about a week for an answer.
Thank you for your note, Expert. I look forward to hearing anything from the turf group. Further research indicates carex is very challenging to germinate and I may be in over my head. ♂️
The sedge you have is rarely planted in MN and it is challenging to germinate.
The information from the turf group is:
I find information that this is best propagated by division. It is hardy to 20 below.
If you plant in the fall, harvest when the husk is dry and brown and then hang out to dry for several weeks before planting.
To spring plant, stratify in moist sand at 40 degrees for 60 days prior to planting.
i would give it a try, since you have the seed it will only cost you your time. if it works it will be a triumph.
The information from the turf group is:
I find information that this is best propagated by division. It is hardy to 20 below.
If you plant in the fall, harvest when the husk is dry and brown and then hang out to dry for several weeks before planting.
To spring plant, stratify in moist sand at 40 degrees for 60 days prior to planting.
i would give it a try, since you have the seed it will only cost you your time. if it works it will be a triumph.
