Asimina triloba

Seeds Type

Uncertain, that is to say seeds that could be orthodox, intermediate or recalcitrant. This information is still unknown for the moment.

For germination, you must...

1. allow FOUR 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 pips in water at room temperature for 24 hours.
Stratification : Place the pips 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 four months.
Seedlings : Remove the content from the bag and sow the pips one by one. Bury lightly, less than a centimeter from the surface of the soil. Be patient ! /// Or... please see the last paragraph of this page.

⚠ Hard to germinate ⚠

Seeds from this species have a combinational dormancy. Endocarp walls are less permeable to water (partial physical dormancy). Embryo’s growth, inside the seed, is prevented by a factor that we didn’t identify yet, but could be its immaturity (morphological dormancy), its temperature sensibility (thermodormancy) or even its moisture sensibility (hygrodormancy). Embryo’s maturation progresses as the stratification takes place. Germination may occur several months after sowing. It’s important to not throw seeds away if they didn’t germinate after the first attempt. Repeating all the germination process could be necessary.

Interesting lead : we got success with this seed's germination when we use transparent plastic jars. Once the stratification is over, we remove those jars from the refrigerator and put them in the greenhouse, under the sun, lids closed, and wait for two, three or four weeks. Seeds are then exposed to high temperature and strong humidity conditions. Germination is usually excellent.