Why do I plant seeds in the Fall for Spring and Summer flowers? I don’t want my seeds germinating in the fall, but I do want to give them a period of stratification.
What is stratification? Let’s take the word apart. “Strata” means layer. “Tion” means the act of, or the result of. “Ification” means the process of becoming or the making of. Therefore, stratification means the process of making layers within a seed for germination.
The alternating and progressive nature of freeze and thaw cycles in the winter helps break down the seed coat and starts the growing cycle. However, not all flowers do well with this technique.
I know through research, trial, and mistakes, that the following seeds stratify efficiently in Central Texas. In the blog’s picture, I’ve featured the Butterfly Weed’s (Mexican Blood Flower) bloom, to seed pod, to ripened seed process. I allow the seeds to self-sow, or I harvest them to seed myself where I want them to grow. I always have plenty to share!
1. Black-eyed Suzans – Rudbeckia
2. Grandma’s Pincushion – Scabiosa
3. Columbine – Aquilegia Canadensis
4. Poppies – Papavar
5. Larkspur – Delphinium
6. Butterfly Weed/Milkweed – Ascelepias Curassavica
Sow by preparing your soil by adding compost. Sprinkle seeds on top. Do not bury! Cover with a light coating of potting soil. Gently pat the surface to secure seeds into the composted dirt. Mark your area with writing on a popsicle stick and stick it in the ground. Do not disturb the area. Let nature do its “stratification” process and enjoy your blooms in-season in a few months!
Sowing the seed,
My hand is one with the earth.
Wanting the seed to grow
my mind is one with the light.
Hoeing the crop,
my hands are one with the rain.
Having cared for the plants,
my mind is one with the air.
Hungry and trusting,
my mind is one with the earth.
Eating the fruit,
my body is one with the earth.