Chinese elm germination confusion

Discussion in 'Trees' started by Winterfell, Apr 11, 2012.

  1. Winterfell

    Winterfell Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2012
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    England.
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    Hi all,

    I recently just bought some Chinese Elm seeds and I'm baffled by the germination requirements or pre-treating of the seed. The paper that came with it from an eBay vendor states that it should be planted and then sealed in a bag in the fridge for 2 months... Various other sites I have read all state that no pre-treatment of Chinese Elm seeds are required.

    Any suggestions?
     
  2. Anthorn

    Anthorn Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2012
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    Chinese Elm seeds must be cold stratified to sprout them prior to planting. This can take up to four months so it's a bit late now but still can be done. The usual method is to put them in a plastic bag with dampened perlite and then put in the fridge. The other method which I use is line the bottom of a plastic container (margarine tub) with kitchen paper towel, spray it with water*, put the seeds on it, cover it with more kitchen towel, spray that with water, put the lid on and whack it in the fridge. When sprouted plant them in in a 4" pot and seed compost.

    The reason why I don't use the plastic method is that I don't like digging around in the perlite to find them.

    * If you're using tap water, stand it overnight so the chlorine will disperse or use rain water or distilled water
     
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