Ask A Scientist Botany Archive

name         Paul C.
status       educator
age          40s

Question -   Why do apple seeds need to "winter" or "sleep" before
 they can germinate?
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The following about the cold "stratification" period required for
germination may be helpful:
http://www.agweb.okstate.edu/pearl/hort/fruits/f6211.htm
http://trc.ucdavis.edu/egsutter/plb171/lecturespdf4/5-Seed%20dormancy02.pdf

Anthony Brach, Ph.D
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This may help:
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/gpe/tg/c3-background.html
"Some seeds may be inhibited from germinating because of either physical or
physiological dormancy. Physical dormancy usually takes the form of a seed
coat that is so hard that water and oxygen cannot get through until the coat
breaks down. These seeds benefit from being soaked or scratched lightly
before planting. Morning glories and locust seeds are examples.
Physiological dormancy results when the internal chemistry of the seed needs
to be corrected by exposing the seed to proper temperatures. Seeds such as
apple will not germinate unless exposed to cold temperatures for a period of
time. Both of these adaptations prevent the seed from germinating until
conditions are right for their survival."

J. Elliott
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