Stratification is typically carried out for how many weeks?

• A. 2-4 weeks
• B. 4-6 weeks
• C. 8-10 weeks
• D. 10-12 weeks

Answer: (D)

Stratification is a pre-germination treatment that mimics winter by exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to break seed dormancy in species with physiological dormancy or hard coats. For many temperate garden seeds, this cold period is done in a refrigerator and lasts quite a while to ensure dormancy is released and germination is uniform when conditions warm up. The typical duration used in home propagation and extension recommendations is about 10 to 12 weeks, which balances time and effectiveness for a broad range of species. Shorter stratification may work for seeds with weaker dormancy, while longer periods are needed for seeds with stronger dormancy. Therefore, the best general answer is 10–12 weeks. Always refer to species-specific instructions, as exact times can vary.