Seed Treatment:
- Soak seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours.
- Place seeds in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag.
- Refrigerate at 34–40 °F (1–4 °C) for 12 weeks.
- Check weekly. If seedlings emerge during stratification, remove and plant immediately.
Best Time to Sow:
- Start stratification in late autumn to early winter.
- Sow outdoors in early spring, or indoors after stratification is complete.
Germination Time:
- 3 to 24 months. Sporadic germinator.
Optimum Temperature:
- Day: 68–75 °F (20–24 °C)
- Night: 60–65 °F (15–18 °C)
How to Sow:
- Fill a tray or pots with moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Lightly press seeds into the surface. Do not bury deeply—cover lightly with fine vermiculite or sand.
- Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a humidity dome or plastic wrap to maintain humidity.
Light Requirements:
Bright indirect light or grow lights. Avoid direct sun until established.
Post-Germination Care:
- Remove humidity cover once seedlings appear.
- Water from below to prevent damping-off.
- Transplant into individual pots when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.
- Harden off before moving outdoors.
Notes:
- Be patient! Rose seeds naturally germinate slowly.
- Mold during stratification? Open the bag briefly to air out and replace the paper towel as needed.
- Keep records of sowing and germination dates to track success.