Tree Seed Germination Guide: Stratification & Scarification for Temperate Permaculture Growers

A single American persimmon tree sprouts into being.

Growing trees and shrubs from seed is a rewarding endeavor that fosters biodiversity and resilience in your landscape. While our previous article How To Grow A Tree From Seed introduced the basics of seed pretreatment, this post delves deeper into the specific needs of many species, offering a detailed stratification and scarification chart for future reference.

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Understanding Stratification & Scarification

Stratification

Stratification involves simulating natural winter conditions to break seed dormancy. This process is essential for species native to temperate climates.

• Cold Stratification: Exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions for a specified period.

• Warm Stratification: Some seeds require a period of warmth before cold stratification.

Scarification

Scarification is the process of weakening or breaking the seed coat to facilitate water absorption and trigger germination.

• Mechanical Scarification: Scratching or nicking the seed coat.

• Chemical Scarification: Using substances like sulfuric acid to soften the seed coat.

• Thermal Scarification: Soaking seeds in hot water to weaken the coat.

American persimmon seedlings abound.

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Seed Pretreatment Chart: Temperate Species

Species	Stratification Needs	Scarification Needs	USDA Zones
Hybrid American Hazelnut	60–90 days, cold, moist	None	4–8
Chinese Chestnut	60–90 days, cold, moist	None	5–8
American Persimmon	60–120 days, cold, moist	None	5–9
White Oak	60–120 days, cold, moist	None	3–9
Peach	60–120 days, cold, moist	Yes, grind edges	5–9
Pawpaw	90–120 days, cold, moist	None	5–8
Goumi	90 days, cold, moist	None	3–8
Autumn Olive	90 days, cold, moist	None	3–9
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood	120 days, cold, moist	Yes, scarify or crack shell	4–8
Nanking Cherry	90 days, cold, moist	None	4–7
Medlar	60–90 days, cold, moist	None	5–9
Jujube	None required	Yes, light scarification or soak	5–9
False Indigo (Amorpha)	None or brief warm strat	Yes, scarify	4–9
Black Locust	None	Yes, hot water soak or scarify	3–8
Heartnut	90–120 days, cold, moist	None	5–7
Pecan	90–120 days, cold, moist	None	6–9
Aronia (Chokeberry)	90 days, cold, moist	None	3–7
Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)	30–60 days, cold, moist	None	4–8
American Linden	90 days, cold, moist	None	3–7
Hackberry	60–120 days, cold, moist	None	3–9
American Plum	60–90 days, cold, moist	Optional light nick	4–8
Allegheny Chinquapin	60–90 days, cold, moist	None	4–8
Sand Cherry	60–90 days, cold, moist	None	3–7
Buffaloberry	90 days, cold, moist	Optional	3–7
Northern Bayberry	90 days, cold, moist	None	3–7
Fragrant Sumac	30–90 days, cold, moist	Light scarification may help	3–7
Sweetfern	90–120 days, cold, moist	None	3–7
Wild Gooseberry	60–90 days, cold, moist	None	3–8
New Jersey Tea	None, but helps	Yes, scarify (tough seed coat)	5–8
Wild Senna	None or brief warm strat	Yes, scarify	4–9
Turkish Rocket	None	None	Annual/seasonal crop
Sea Buckthorn	90 days, cold, moist	None	3–7
Hazelnut (American)	60–90 days, cold, moist	None	4–8
Serviceberry (Juneberry)	30–60 days, cold, moist	None	4–8
Honey Locust	60 days, cold, moist	Yes, scarify	3–9
Elderberry	60–90 days, cold, moist	None	3–8

Practical Tips for Successful Germination

• Use Appropriate Media: For stratification, use moist but well-draining materials like peat moss, vermiculite, or sand.

• Maintain Optimal Temperature: Stratification should occur at temperatures between 34–41°F (1–5°C).

• Implement Scarification Carefully: When scarifying, avoid damaging the seed embryo inside.

• Be Patient: Some seeds may take several months or even over a year to germinate.

Jujubes grown from seed have thorns, even at a young age.

Ready to Start Your Seed-Growing Journey?

If you're looking for seeds and scions grown right here on our Kansas farm (but suited to many regions), check out the Mad Cat Farm nursery shop. We specialize in permaculture-ready species with a focus on resilient, chemical-free growing.

For more detailed growing advice, see our full post on How to Grow a Tree from Seed.