growing species tulips from seed
Jane McGary (Thu, 14 Nov 2013 11:18:47 PST)
Ina asked,
I have 4 lots of tulip seed in the fridge at the moment. They have had
about 4 weeks so far. How long do they need to be chilled before sowing
them? Of course this is in a mild climate.
The chilling requirement should be conducted while the seeds are
moist. That's why we often mention "moist chilling." In climates with
some winter chill, this is taken care of by planting the seeds in
fall and keeping them just slightly protected, such as in an alpine
house or cold frame, through the winter. People in mild climates
sometimes have to moisten the seeds by having a separate refrigerator
for seed pots, or more efficiently by placing the seeds between
sheets of moistened paper towels, sealing them in plastic bags or
Petri dishes, and putting those in the refrigerator, checking them
frequently after a couple of months and removing and planting the
seeds in soil when a shoot can be seen emerging.
It is inadvisable, though not always fatal, to allow seed pots to
freeze solid, but if they just get a little stiff on the surface it
probably will not harm seeds from cool to cold regions. I believe
some large seeds, such as nut-type seeds of trees, require periods of
freezing, though.
Jane McGary
Portland, Oregon, USA