Betula populifolia

Seeds Type

Orthodox, that is to say seeds with the capability to withstand desiccation and freezing temperatures (-20°C) and may therefore be conserved for years, if not decades.

For germination, you must...

1. allow TWO 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 winged nutlets in water at room temperature for 24 hours.
Stratification (cold) : Place the winged nutlets 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 two months.
Seedlings : Remove the content from the bag and sow the winged nutlets by broadcasting the mix on the growth medium. Bury very lightly, less than one millimeter from the soil surface.
Comments : As for seeds of many other birches, it is likely that River Birch seeds would require light to germinate. However, informations that are available in the scientific literature are conflicting. As a preventive measure, it is suggested to sow the seeds at the surface of the growth medium or very shallowly (about 1 mm under the surface).