Betula nigra

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 may...

1. proceed directly to sowing, without subjecting the seeds to any prior treatment.

Scarification : No scarification needed.
Stratification : No stratification needed.
Seedlings : Sow the winged nutlets by broadcasting them 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).