How to Sow Native Seeds in Fall and Winter
Native seeds are easy to grow! Learn our simple outdoor winter sowing method for seeds native to the Northeastern US.
Before you start: check the germination code on your seed packet. Some species have special requirements, but all Wild Seed Project seeds can be grown outside in fall or winter.
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These seeds do not need a winter cold period to germinate. Sow outdoors in pots from November through April.
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These seeds do need a winter or cold period to germinate. Sow outdoors in pots from November through February.
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These seeds need light to germinate. Sow them on top of the soil’s surface, and leave uncovered.
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Seeds need an alternating warm-cold-warm cycle to germinate. We recommend that you sow them outdoors in pots from May through June (warm period). They’ll germinate the following year, after a winter (cold period) and then spring (warm period).
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These seeds will not germinate if they dry out. Sow them immediately.
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These seeds have a double dormancy and may take two winters to germinate. Sow outdoors in pots from November through February and look for germination in the second spring.
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These are large seeds that should be soaked overnight in water before sowing.
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These are quite challenging to sow. Sow spores in a warm, bright location in a sealed container, and keep moist. Further instructions will be enclosed with your package.
When to sow
Best time: Fall through winter
November through February in the Northeastern US
Many native seeds need a period of cold, moist temperatures to break dormancy and germinate. Not all native seeds need cold stratification, but even those that don’t can still be sown outdoors in fall or winter.
Supplies
☐ Native seeds
☐ 4–6" plastic pots or seed frames
☐ Plastic plant labels for each species
☐ Pencil
☐ Organic, compost-based potting soil
☐ Coarse, untreated sand (all-purpose or playground sand without salt)
☐ Watering can
☐ Hardware cloth or screening
Winter Sowing in Six Easy Steps
Fill the pots
Fill the pots and pack the soil to create a flat surface ¼ or ½ inch from the top.Label the pots
Label each pot with the name and sowing date. After many years of experience, we can confidently tell you that pencil lasts longer than any and all pens!Sow the seeds
Native seeds can be sown thickly (close together, about ⅛” - ¼” apart)-- sprinkle them evenly across the surface of the soil, and very gently pat them down.Cover with sand
Cover seeds with sand so the layer of sand is roughly as deep as the seed itself: a sesame seed would be covered with ⅛” of sand and a pea would be covered with ½” of sand.Water the pots
Water each pot gently but thoroughly. Be careful not to flood the pots so seeds don’t float to the surface or splash out.
Place outdoors
Put pots in a shady outdoor location where they'll receive rain and snow. Cover them with hardware cloth or screening to protect from birds and rodents. Check soil moisture during dry periods, as pots dry out more quickly than garden soil.
When will my seeds germinate?
Each native seed has its own timetable: germination is variable, unlike cultivated vegetables and flowers which have been bred for rapid germination.
Seeds that need no pretreatment will germinate anytime from a week to several months after sowing. Species that need a winter stratification will germinate after spending their required time in the wet and cold; the length of time varies by species.
Don’t give up too soon. Flats that fail to germinate initially will often germinate the following year. Don’t throw them out, keep them watered, and be patient.
What’s next?
Your seeds germinated! Learn more about caring for young plants, making your own soil mixes, and transplanting into your garden in our GUIDE.