Hello,

I'm trying to grow PawPaw trees, from seed. I understand that stratification of the seeds is necessary. I've read from various sources that you can accomplish this by placing the seeds in your fridge, in a cool, damp paper towel.

What I really want to know, is wouldn't it be best to mimic nature, and just plant the seeds directly into the ground during fall (end of October/beginning of November'ish, I'm thinking) and let nature run it's course? This tree is native to where I live, Ontario, Canada.

Also.....if I put the seeds into the fridge for cold stratification, how will I know if it was successful? Will the seed show signs of life at the end of it's 80-100 days? Will it the seed sprout? Also, after the cold stratification period (in the fridge), would you recommend using a seedling heating pad, to get things going?

Please advise.