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Antwerp, Belgium

Hi,

When I read about seeding pumpkins, stratification is almost never mentioned. It's giving the seeds a cold period by putting them in the fridge for a few days so they have change during "winter".

Is this never done?

I once experimented with sunflowers and with 80 seeds tested, the ones with stratification had an outcome of 38 and the others of 26. Same mother flower, same conditions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratification_(botany)

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

10/9/2013 12:33:37 AM

Jacksonville, IL

I believe most growers store seeds in the freezer until ready to use, thus creating the stratification process.

10/9/2013 10:33:32 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Great question! I do believe that stratification can help, but is usually not necessary for pumpkin and squash seeds. In other words, would you get 85% germination without stratification and 90% with it?

10/9/2013 10:44:30 AM

Colorado

Doesn't seem to help with ag seeds.Many seasons have had 100% germination without. Can't improve on 100%.

10/9/2013 2:09:22 PM

Eurasia

Cucurbitaceae are tropical fruits and only need a chemical support to open the seed shell sometimes. But with a clean substrate like fermented coconutfiber I do not mourn more losses than already barren seed.

10/9/2013 3:30:49 PM

Rhode Island

DITTO TO JOE "DARTH/DEATH STAR " SCHERBER. WE DONT NEED NO STINKING FREEZER.

PAP

10/9/2013 4:39:51 PM

Jacksonville, IL

So is the freezer a bad idea??? Whats the latest on seed storage??

10/10/2013 3:21:45 PM

Piqua, Ohio

I keep mine buried in milk cans in the corn field

10/10/2013 5:54:13 PM

Colorado

Brexton,Storing the seeds in a freezer is good. Freezing the seeds doesnt help the seeds sprout -it keeps them from aging as bad during storage.

10/11/2013 1:47:52 AM

Minnesota

I keep mine in the little barrel st'bernards have on there collar, after running threw the snow all winter I no there ready for spring! I lightly file mine, in luke warm water for two hours, then into soil. Works almost everytime.

10/11/2013 9:52:23 AM