FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Today, I received my SASE from the seed bank. It looked like it went through a lawn mower, and the seeds inside looked partially crushed. Upon closer inspection (using a microscope), the seeds were intact, but the seed coats were damaged. The seeds are from Sarracenia Alabamensis.

My question is:
How should I stratify these seeds? Should I do it with a regular stratification period (6-9 weeks) or should I do it for less time? From my understanding, the longer stratification period is only needed because of the seed coat.

Thanks for any help.

The stratification period is actually a time for the seeds to signal natural gibberellin to synthesize enzymes in order to start processing the starch in the seed via hydrolysis. So, as long as the interior of the seed appears intact, stratify them in a damp paper towel in the fridge for four to eight weeks.

Upon inspection, I also noticed that my sarr seeds had damaged seed coats. What do they use at the post office? Sledge hammers?

I think they do. I've had way too many seed accidents from the post office. Most of them weren't from the seed bank. There was that one day, I open up a seed packet, and all that came out was dust. (wasn't from the seed bank, lacked ChefDean's taco packaging™)