As we consider the inclusion of even more perennial species in our catalog, it bears acknowledging that germinating these seeds can be a challenge to even the most seasoned gardener. Seeds are living things equipped with unique biological mechanisms to both promote and to prevent germination. Germination inhibitors have been bred out of the most ordinary garden vegetables, but part of our mission is to encourage gardeners to grow unusual species whose value is often overlooked in favor of more ubiquitous and familiar species. Growing obscure and historic plants connects us to far away cultures, both contemporary and historic, and hopefully reminds us of our common passions, tastes, and horticultural curiosity.
Globalization has led to the worldwide commercial cultivation of just a handful of species. Gardeners can play a significant role in maintaining genetic diversity among food crops. Growing and saving seeds of diverse species is an act of preservation, even if those species are not necessarily edible. Lack of diversity in flowering plants has contributed significantly to the decline of several species of pollinating insects. And though there is a strong movement toward “native" botanical speciesism, the true solution cannot be found in one or even a dozen specific species, but in absolute diversity.
Seeds for many hardy perennial species, both native and “exotic", require a winter spent outdoors (often referred to as stratification or vernalization) before they will germinate. The process of breaking down the germination inhibitors present in these seeds is a complex process that is sometimes challenging to recreate indoors. Several species do germinate easily when conditions emulate those experienced by a seed sown in the warm days of late autumn: sow seeds into moist organic soil and keep at 70°F for two weeks, then place pot into the refrigerator for a period of of at least four weeks, and sometimes eight weeks or more depending on the species, before finally returning the pot to cool room temperature, or around 55°F, in bright light. Keep in mind that the seed must be moist all the while. For some species nothing less than several freeze and thaw cycles outdoors will trigger germination. Additionally, though we rarely use them, germination stimulating chemicals are widely employed by nurseries and other horticultural professionals. And though we prefer to sow all of our seeds into pots of soil, there are alternative methods, including one that involves not much more than water, paper towels and plastic baggies.
Careful research into the specific requirements of each species that you wish to grow is highly recommended. To that end we direct you to the fantastic work of Dr. Norman Deno. These volumes are a valuable resource for anyone interested in horticulture and especially gardeners wishing to grow diverse species from seed. Find them here, here, and here.
Per Dr. Deno, “Propagation is Conservation". We concur.
The bright foliage of Golden Alexandria Strawberry seedlings.
The delightfully tiny leaves and semi-prostrate stems of Campanula cochlearifolia.