Marianne's Response
Stratification for Echinaceas?
I grow my flower seeds indoors on heat and under lights before planting them outdoors. Do you recommend that all kinds of echinacea seeds be stratified before planting? I have read that stratification may make them germinate faster but that it is not necessary to stratify all types. Are there some kinds that do just fine without being stratified? If so, are there any particular kinds that you might suggest?
Posted by Doris Kennedy on September 17, 2021
Marianne's Response
Your Echinacea seed will sprout almost twice as many seeds if you stratify or place them in the frig for 30 days once you plant them in potting soil. I do realize this can take up a lot of frig space but the seeds will still soften and sprout without any cold treatment - just a lot less of a percentage and it will take longer. As far as I know all types of Echinacea seeds do better with stratification but if you experiment and find out that some varieties do better than others without the cold treatment let us all know. Good luck on your seed starting adventure. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
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