Which Seeds Benefit from Cold Stratification?

All you have to do is check the seed packet, right?

Well.... not exactly.  I've found that sometimes even reputable seed sellers may not always make the need for cold stratification clear.  Vague references such as "may benefit from..." may appear in the description.  Or sometimes there is no mention at all.

Some sellers may stratify the seeds in advance, which  could explain the omission, but I suspect others may worry that making the need for cold stratification clear could discourage gardeners from buying the seeds.  And in some cases seeds WILL germinate without cold stratification, but they will germinate much better with it.

You're probably aware of some of the more widely known plants requiring cold stratification such as lavender and echinacea (coneflower), but there are many others that can benefit from cold stratification.  Here are a few to consider:

heuchera hybrids (coral bells)
asclepias (milkweed)
checkermallow
buddleiah (butterfly bush)
aquilegia (columbine)
mock orange
beauty bush
Japanese maple

This year we're experimenting with cold stratification of delphinium, lupine, larkspur, garlic chives and foxglove. Germination for these wasn't great last year, so we're going to try some on heat mats and set some outside in the cold to see which method works best.

Don't forget to keep a journal of your findings when you're experimenting with seed starting so that you have a record of what works!  With a little bit of effort, you can save big on growing some of your favorite (and most expensive) plants from seed.

Happy planting!