"How-Hie Ling" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I am getting some Chinese Jujube seeds in a packet from a seed retailer.

The instruction for planting the seeds is to store the seeds first in a
fridge around 5C for 60 - 90 days in order to aid germination. Why?

How-Hie Ling



I don't know the Chinese Jujube plant, but the need for the low temp is
probably due to the fact that where this plant naturally comes from is a
cold place, and it's all part of the plants way to reproduce. In nature, the
seeds may drop, then the cold weather (Winter) will trigger the seed
dormancy, and as Spring comes around it will germinate.
Similar with the need for keeping Tulip bulbs cool before planting if you
live in a warm climate.
Also similar is the need for fire or smoke to trigger some Australian native
seeds out of dormancy, or to open their casing. Bushfires are part of nature
here so as it rages through, the seed will open and smoke will cause a
chemical reaction to bring it out of dormancy, then it will germinate. The
parent plant may die, but it's natures way of avoiding extinction.
There are also other others that need to be triggered by water, (soaking),
sacarafying (outer case of the seed must be damaged, even rubbed on
sandpaper), and I think even by the passiing through a bird, the stomach
acid breaking down the protective coating.

Good luck


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