Cold stratisfying blueberries

[AMKuska]

Hey there,
I got my blueberry seeds today, and the packet said that they need to be cold stratisfied for 90 days before planting. It also said there were detailed instructions on the website, but the instructions were for giant (easy to pick out of a pile of peat moss) seeds. I don't think the same instructions will apply to teensy little blueberry seeds. Does anyone have tips for stratisfying them?

 

[heirloomgal]

I think some of the answer would be tied to where the blueberries originate climactically and then replicating that chill intensity. I have done stratification in the fridge, as well as a few weeks outside down to -30C in a protected container (though not with blueberry seeds). You'd probably be good with any kind of situation that gives a 'flicker' effect to your seeds.

 

[Branching Out]

What I usually do is put the pack of seeds in my freezer, right where I will see it. You could then mark your calendar for 3 months from now, and take them out and sow them in mid-May. Cold stratifying makes the seed think that they have gone through winter, and then when you plant them they will think it is spring!

 

[valley ranch]

Hey there,
I got my blueberry seeds today, and the packet said that they need to be cold stratisfied for 90 days before planting. It also said there were detailed instructions on the website, but the instructions were for giant (easy to pick out of a pile of peat moss) seeds. I don't think the same instructions will apply to teensy little blueberry seeds. Does anyone have tips for stratisfying them?

Put them in the freezer wrapped on paper towel then on a mason or washed jar with a lid.

 

[Alasgun]

Self Heal and Comfrey do better if stratified so i’ll plant them in the small cell cube trays (6ea) and wet them good then seal them in a baggy and into the freezer for two to three weeks. When i pull them out they go straight under the lights. This has been successful for me but i’ve never started Blueberries from seed.

 

[AMKuska]

Thanks so much everyone! I've popped them in the freezer, and will pull them out midmay to begin trying to grow them. It's going to be such a fun year. What adventure!

 

[catjac1975]

Hey there,
I got my blueberry seeds today, and the packet said that they need to be cold stratisfied for 90 days before planting. It also said there were detailed instructions on the website, but the instructions were for giant (easy to pick out of a pile of peat moss) seeds. I don't think the same instructions will apply to teensy little blueberry seeds. Does anyone have tips for stratisfying them?

I can't imagine how long it will take to get berries when starting from seed. Why not buy a few bushes? But I imagine they are the size a piece of sand. Put them in a medium, even sand, and chill them. No need to pick them out. Just sprinkle the medium with the seed to plant. I would still buy bushes.

 

[AMKuska]

I can't imagine how long it will take to get berries when starting from seed. Why not buy a few bushes? But I imagine they are the size a piece of sand. Put them in a medium, even sand, and chill them. No need to pick them out. Just sprinkle the medium with the seed to plant. I would still buy bushes.

This is just for fun.

 

[valley ranch]

This is just for fun.

It takes a couple years to fruit, of course you can graft, but still takes a while before your bushes have stems the size of your finger that makes it easer to graft, in a greenhouse situation it easier, unless you live in a warm state, I'm planning to start some bushes here at daughters place, get the seeds from my breakfast Blueberries, I've recently become fond of blueberries and Banana with Rolled Oat, and Almond milk,,,

I hope you keep us updated on your plants, unless you've already know where and how you plan to start your seeds, if I may suggest: Something as simple as a plastic cake box that a bakery would, or store , you'll be able to control the moisture,well in a southern facing window, don't know the conditions where you live, when they are ready to put in separate all pots and supposed to grow straight, I'd still have a plastic or bottle over them and allow only morning and afternoon sun, gosh you might know a better way, please show your progress, I will as well if if I actually do plant instead of dreaming, excuse me if I've said too much I tend to do that Good luck I'll be watching and cheering for you

 

[valley ranch]

This is just for fun.

It takes a couple years to fruit, of course you can graft, but still takes a while before your bushes have stems the size of your finger that makes it easer to graft, in a greenhouse situation it easier, unless you live in a warm state, I'm planning to start some bushes here at daughters place, get the seeds from my breakfast Blueberries, I've recently become fond of blueberries and Banana with Rolled Oat, and Almond milk,,,

I hope you keep us updated on your plants, unless you've already know where and how you plan to start your seeds, if I may suggest: Something as simple as a plastic cake box that a bakery would, or store , you'll be able to control the moisture,well in a southern facing window, don't know the conditions where you live, when they are ready to put in separate all pots and supposed to grow straight, I'd still have a plastic or bottle over them and allow only morning and afternoon sun, gosh you might know a better way, please show your progress, I will as well if if I actually do plant instead of dreaming, excuse me if I've said too much I tend to do that Good luck I'll be watching and cheering for you