Storage characteristics
Storage moisture content and temperature
10-12 % @ < 0 °C
Dormancy characteristics
DeepEfficacy of pretreatment / remarks
Generally effective although pretreatment durations, and numbers of repeat cycles may vary significantly between seedlots
Approximate date to initiate artificial pretreatment (for 1 March sowing) 6 DecemberStorage characteristics
Orthodox – seeds that can be dried without harm, and once dried can be frozen, stored for years with little deterioration and relatively easily revived.
(?) – indicates characteristics are not yet fully understood.
Pretreatment method
Figures in brackets indicate that different seedlots often require different pretreatment durations. There are three potential courses of action:
- Adhere to the pretreatment duration in bold, with the knowledge that the maximum potential germination of the seedlot may be sacrificed for the sake of simplicity.
- Inspect the pretreating seed regularly. Sow when c. 10 % of seed is chitted, with the hope that this is indicative that the remaining seeds are now close to germination.
- Inspect the pretreating seed regularly. At suitable intervals, remove chitted seeds (by hand, flotation, and/or sieving). Sow chitted seeds and return balance to pretreatment until no more seeds germinate.
Practice Guide
Raising Trees and Shrubs from Seed (PDF-648 KB)
Forestry Commission Practice Guide 18.