They require what is called Cold-Moist Stratification and it is a pretty standard process required for many seeds. Just Google that term. It is used to mimic late fall/very early spring outside planting. To trick the seeds into thinking 2 seasons (1 warm and 1 cold) have passed and now it is warming again and it is time to germinate.

1. they must be moist - that means in wet sand or potting mix or even a damp coffee filter in a zip lock back.

2. Then keep them and the moist medium somewhat warm for 2-4 weeks (think Fall's Indian Summer). In a ziplock bag on top the fridge works well. You might see 1 or 2 goofy seed sprouts but usually none.

3. Then the whole thing goes into the fridge. If you use sand in bag or whatever it all goes into the fridge just as is for a month.

4. Take the bag out and let it come to room temperature and watch for germination to begin. Then transplant germinated seeds to growing medium.

Dave

Seed Stratification

Beautiful, thanks Dave!!

That is so much more understandable!

Following your instructions. I put the seeds in pure sand from the beach in a zip lock and let it on top of my water heater, in the dark. I checked today, 12 days after, and there were 4 young sprouts. I transferred in the fridge and it should stay there for a couple of weeks, right, before exposing the whole thing in a warmer place and wait for them to germinate, right?

However, on other Internet sites, they just advise the cold period, even putting the seeds in the freezer for about a month and then plant them in an appropriate substrat in a planter.

I am confused. Can’t wait for your reaction. And thank you sincerely.