Re: Starting Lepechinia fragrans from seed?

I'd say that a majority of the cold-desert plants of the Northwest have
stratification requirements, anywhere from 3-10 weeks of temperatures
around 5 C -- 40 F is probably OK, 45 is a little warm, and the high
daytime temperatures may actually inhibit the stratification process.  I
generally germinate seeds outdoors, sowing in December or January, but
even then many seeds don't seem to get the necessary strtification --
often people in areas with longer winters have better luck.

I surface-sow most seeds, then cover with a layer of grit.  In any case,
light is NOT likely to be a factor..

At this time, the most likely course would be to sow on moist paper
inside a plastic bag, and keep at
refrigerator temperatures for 3 months [checking regularly for
germination], then move to a warm place for a couple weeks.  If no
germination, keep the dry seed pots in a cool place and rewet and place
outside at thestart of next winter..

loren russell, corvallis, oregon

On Tue, 25 Jan 2000 susannah@cyber-dyne.com wrote:

>   Does anyone know what conditions they need for germination?  I put them
> in flats, covering some with dirt, and not covering others in case they
> need light to germinate.  Have them at about 65 degrees F during the day
> and 40-45 at night, but no sprouts.  If noone has any experience I'll try
> stratifying them for a while... could try heat, but considering how cold
> the springs are where I gathered the seed (Eastern Oregon desert) that
> doesn't seem likely...  Any suggestions are welcome :-).
> 
> -- Susannah
>
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