Does refrigeration improve germination rates?

Refrigerated storage can prolong the viability of seeds. Still, it does not actually increase germination for most types of seed. As a seed-saving specialist, I have tested thousands of seed varieties, and cold storage maintains potential viability before germination. However, sprouting itself depends on the conditions under which it is planted. Some seeds, such as lettuce, require cold treatment to break dormancy. Still, cold temperatures don't mean your seeds will germinate any better.

Cold stratification is needed for certain seeds that require the simulation of winter. For the lettuce varieties in my collection, I refrigerate seeds in damp sand for three weeks before planting. This mimics the natural freeze-thaw cycles that help initiate biochemical processes. When I do not do this, germination is usually less than 50% even in prime growing conditions.

Post-storage conditions dictate true germination success. Soil temperature must reach the needs of each seed: tomatoes like 70-80°F and spinach seeds 60°F (15°C). I use probes to track soil temperature and time the seeding to match conditions. Moisture must stay consistent without waterlogging. That's the final component of the process.

Use refrigeration accordingly. Be sure to consider future long-term storage viability, but focus on planting principles for optimal germination. This is how I maintain my heirloom pepper seed collection. As long as you apply a stratification technique to your lettuce seeds, you will notice results in no time in your garden!

Read the full article: 5 Essential Tips: How to Store Seeds Properly