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Winter stratification of wildflowers seeds #894239

Asked March 12, 2025, 2:55 PM EDT

Last fall I collected a fair amount of seeds from wildflowers that flourish in my yard (it is an old hay field). I plan to spot-seed the wildflowers. I cover up an area of the “lawn” to kill off most of the whatever is growing there to give the new plants a chance. I intended to plant my seeds in milk jugs in January for natural stratification but neglected to get that done. The wet paper towel fridge cold stratification seems very risky. What would I do if the seeds sprouted now while the ground was still frozen? Should I save my seeds for another year? I have considered scattering the seeds now, but the mat of roots from the old hay field will give them a real fight. Any ideas? Joanne Bates PS I live in Hermantown just outside of Duluth. PPS Most of the wildflowers are seeds from wildflowers that I bought from a local supplier.

St. Louis County Minnesota

Expert Response

https://norcrosswildlife.org/wildflower-seed-germination/#:~:text=Most%20wildflower%20seeds%20need%20some,plants%20can%20take%20several%20forms.

https://www.prairiemoon.com/how-to-germinate-native-seeds.html

https://www.prairienursery.com/resources-guides/seed-stratification/?srsltid=AfmBOoqJkGLb_rqNQ7Tm1avl_srbdJbPKqhPuEC1JZSr5cuFtnTrXbZs

https://wildseedproject.net/blog/how-to-grow-natives-from-seed
Fresh seed is the most likely to germinate, so I would not store them until next year. You live near Duluth so you are about a month’s worth of colder temps. Using towels or trays and planting out seedlings will probably produce more viable plants than simply broadcasting the seeds. If you do broadcast the seeds the soil would need to be exposed first and your ground may still be frozen. If seeds sprout before they can be planted out having a temporary pan of dirt or cold frame to put them would be necessary. The damp paper towel method works pretty well and you can keep them in the frig until the seeds sprout so because spring is coming soon that is the method I would use. The damp paper towel method doesn’t depend on the weather.
Wishing you good luck. 

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