Germinating Sorbus

[annew]

I'm delighted to have received seeds of Sorbus poteriifolia from the exchange. I seem to remember reading somewhere that they germinate better if treated with an acid to simulate travelling through the gut of a bird. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Giles]

Dear Anne,
This advice is from the book 'The Genus Sorbus' by Hugh McAllister:
1. Seed of S.poteriifolia should not be allowed to dry, as in this species dry seed rapidly loses viability.
2. Seed will germinate at 1C. During the cold treatment the temperature should not be allowed to rise significantly for any length of time, and seed should be maintained at 1C until germination is complete.

He also mentions seed should be cleaned asap after harvesting of fruits, and the use of a fridge for germination, to ensure an even temperature.
He talks of putting the seed damp in petri dishes so you can keep an eye on progress.
It's a lovely book if you like Sorbus, but if you would like a photocopy of the germination pages, please let me know.
Giles

[Gerry Webster]

Seed will germinate at 1C. During the cold treatment the temperature should not be allowed to rise significantly for any length of time, and seed should be maintained at 1C until germination is complete.
He also mentions seed should be cleaned asap after harvesting of fruits, and the use of a fridge for germination, to ensure an even temperature.
He talks of putting the seed damp in petri dishes so you can keep an eye on progress.

In an earlier booklet The Rowan & Its Relatives (Ness Gardens),  Hugh McAllister describes how to  germinate seeds in the fridge. Here is the description. I used it some years ago with S. hupehensis & S. vilmorinii & the results were very good.

[annew]

Oh dear, the seeds being dry seems to have determined their fate already! Anyway, I've nothing to lose by the fridge treatment. I'll try half of them outside too. Thanks folks.

[Maggi Young]

I'd be inclined to soak the seeds a bit first, anyway. Always do think that when the seed is biggish and very dry and since the damp petri dish is mentioned, don't think it could hurt, could it?