Our packets are labelled with "Smoke",
"HWT/Scarify", or “Cold Stratify” if a seed pre-treatment is known to
improve germination. Viable seeds are
essentially alive but dormant.
Pre-treatments are used to help break this dormancy, often simulating
natural environmental processes such as bushfires.
"Smoke" - Smoke treatment recommended (further information,
link & pdf
file). We can provide two products: smoked vermiculite and seed primers (smoked paper
discs). We also offer whole dry
smoke treated seed batches at a set price per kg, usually for bulk orders or
revegetation mixes.
"Scarify" - Scarification recommended. The aim of this pre-treatment is to break the
hard seed coat. This can be achieved by
using a sharp knife or sandpaper. We
offer a scarification service for quantities greater than 250g at a cost of
$2.50 per kilo or part thereof.
"HWT" - Hot water treatment recommended. This applies to hard-coated seeds and is an alternative to the above method. This treatment can vary with the type of seed but usually involves pouring hot water (close to boiling) over the seeds and soaking for a few minutes to a few hours.
“Cold Stratify” -
Storage at low
temperatures prior to sowing. This
simulates the period of dormancy during winter and then the return to ambient
temperature recreates the onset of spring.
Mostly applies to alpine species.
For further information see the ASGAP Guide to Plant Propagation from Seed
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