Fagus grandifolia

Seeds Type

Uncertain, that is to say seeds that could be orthodox, intermediate or recalcitrant. This information is still unknown for the moment. The informations available about the seeds of this species indicate that they are not recalcitrant, since they support strong desiccation. Despite this, their viability - even when stored in optimal conditions - is short (one to two year.s). This suggests that these nuts (beechnuts) would be intermediate. For this reason, we recommend not to store these seeds for more than a year or two.

For germination, you must...

1. allow THREE MONTHS for seed treatment;
2. subject them to a scarification AND a cold stratification before sowing (follow the steps below in order).

Scarification : Soak the nuts (beechnuts) in water at room temperature for 24 hours.
Stratification (cold) : Place the nuts (beechnuts) in a bag (Ziploc Slider type) containing slightly premoistened peat moss. Seeds should be surrounded by the latter. Close the bag and place it in cool storage (between 1°C and 5°C) for approximately three months.
Seedlings : Remove the content from the bag and sow the nuts (beechnuts) one by one. Bury lightly, less than five millimeters from the soil surface.