If you sow seeds in the fall, either directly on-site or in containers that are kept outside over the winter, you won't have to do anything special to break the seeds' dormancy– the weather will do it for you. However, if you want the seeds to germinate without over-wintering outside (say, by storing them and then planting them in the spring), you will need to artificially recreate the conditions that break the seeds' dormancy. The seeds of a few species require additional factors to break their dormancy, such as the heat from a fire or passing through a bird's digestive system, and you will need to artificially recreate these conditions if you want the seeds of these species to germinate. A costly waste of time and precious seeds is the trial-and-error approach. A better approach is to follow the guidance provided by others who have done it successfully before.

Three of the easier methods for breaking seed dormancy are described below.

COLD, MOIST STRATIFICATION:  (mimics over-wintering): Combine one part water with four parts sand, perlite, or other absorbent, sterile material. Add seeds to the mixture, place in a sealable polyethylene bag (small Ziplock ® bags work well), and label the bag. Put it in the refrigerator (NOT the freezer). Once a week the bag should be opened (lets fresh air in), checked for adequate moisture and seed germination, resealed, and turned over (prevents compaction). The chilling time needed may vary from 3-18 weeks, depending on the species. 2-3 months generally works fine. Toward the end of prescribed stratification period, look for emerging white root tips. If any are detected, sow the whole batch of seeds immediately.

HOT WATER:  (mimics passage through a stomach or heat from a fire): Boil 3-6 cups of water for every cup of seeds. Don't use an aluminum pan or softened water, as either might introduce chemicals toxic to seeds. Turn off the heat when it reaches boiling, and let the water cool for a minute or two. Pour the seeds into the water and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Seeds may still need to over winter or be cold-stratified before they will sprout. This technique works for Arctostaphylos columbiana, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, or Ceanothus velutinus.

SCARIFICATION:  (mimics passage through a stomach): Line the inside of a lidded jar with a strip of sandpaper so the rough side faces inward. Put the seeds in the jar so they are surrounded by the sandpaper, close the lid, and swirl the seeds around until their seed coats are worn down enough to absorb water. Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell how much scarring is enough and it varies from species to species, so we have no guidelines to offer. However, you might want to try this method with species that produce a berry or a pulp-covered seed.