Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Seeds Germination
If you want to grow Cherry Blossom seeds, it’s important to take two steps before planting them. Firstly, you need to scarify (weaken the hard outer shell) and stratify (mimic winter so that the seeds can germinate). We recommend this process for all Sakura seeds.
Here are the steps for scarification:
The following sections of this guide mentions hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that helps weaken the outer shell and prevents mold. BUT OF COURSE there are other ways to scarify seeds that may work better. It’s best to find the one that works best for you.
There are many types of seeds which take advantage of the winter to grow during the spring. For example, plants may have what’s called an endosperm that enables them to grow and not spend all their resources on surviving now. These methods can be used on a number of seeds that fall into this category.
The Following Methods Are Listed From Easiest To Most Difficult, But Also Least Effective to Most Effective.
Method 1:All you need to do is soak the water in hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes.
Method 2: Use sandpaper or some abrasive to wear down the hard outer shell of the seed.
Method 3: Using a file to damage the hard outer shell, this is similar to the previous method, but can be more aggressive.
Method 4: Slice or scrape the seed’s shell with a knife. It’s important to make sure that you don’t cut into the seeds too much when you’re slicing
Method 5: The most aggressive method is breaking open the hard outer shell. Be careful not to damage the inner seed though, and make sure you have the right tools on hand to do it.
Here are the steps for stratification:
Preparation for Stratification:
- Zip loc bag
- Some moist kitchen paper
- Plant labels
- 10% Hydrogen peroxide solution(common bleach) *optional but recommended
- Sieve
- A pair of gardening gloves
- A pair of Tweezers
- Most importantly, Sakura Seeds (you purchase them online or potentially find them at a local nursery)
Steps for Stratification:
- Gently rinse off the Sakura seeds in a strainer or screens.
- In order to start your own Sakura tree, soak the seeds in 10% hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes. This step is optional but it helps prevent possible molding dramatically. The scarification method you use is entirely up to you and will vary depending on which type of seed you’re using, but the other methods mentioned above are more likely to be effective.
- It’s easy. Pick up the seeds with a pair of tweezers, get them moist by putting them in a wet paper and put the moistened paper into a plastic bag that is labeled. Refrigerate the bag ina space out of the way. — the part where you usually store vegetables or fruit will be fine.
- Germination can take up to a couple weeks up to several months and some varieties may not germinate at all — try looking for sprouts every week and if needed, place a wet kitchen paper in the container to keep moisture high.
If you do not want to stratify, start here:
These are the steps for germinating or transferring your seedlings after stratification: Preparation:
- One thing you may need to think about is the potting mix. Potting mixes can be quite different depending on what kind of plant you are growing for example; Sakura prefer a slightly acidic potting mix with some sand or gravel added for drainage. So, talk to the nursery first and make sure you get a compost specifically designed for these types of plants. Add about 30% of coarse sand. To avoid possible molding problems, make sure the compost you buy is sterile. New packs are usually better, so check for a date stamp or opening date before opening it.
- Seed Tray.
- 10% Hydrogen peroxide solution(common bleach) *optional but recommended
- Gardening glove
- A pair of Tweezers
- Copper based fungicide
7. Sieve
Steps:
- Rinse the Sakura (Cherry Blossom) seeds gently in a sieve and then soak them into the 10% hydrogen peroxide solution for about 10 minutes. This step is optional but it helps prevent possible molding effects. Use one of the Scarification methods listed above to weaken the hard outer shell (i.e. let it dry out, scratch it lightly, or remove a thin layer with a knife)
- Pick up the seeds with a pair of Tweezers (or your fingers). Sow the seeds on top layers of the growing medium in your pot or seed tray. Cover them with soil, but not more than 2cm. If you have previously treat the seeds with stratification — transfer the seedlings with a pair of tweezers and plant them into the soil.
- Light can strengthen the germination process. Try putting the seed tray or pot under sunlight as much as possible.
- Maintain the humidity at a medium level. Keep an eye on the moisture content and water often to increase growth
- It takes a few weeks to several months of appropriate care before this type of seed will germinate..
- (Optional but recommended)Once germinated, or after transferring seedlings from stratification, use a Copper based fungicide to prevent molding problems. Follow instructions on the product label for proper application frequency and dosage
