My order of Milkweed and Bee Balm seeds from Baker Creek have arrived. In total four packets of each and seeing mixed reviews/opinions on cold stratification. Some other info is that Baker Creek seeds come “pre-cold stratified”, but also seeing *take note of the germination process on your specific seed packet* yet, there are no germination instructions on the packets.
I’d like to know if cold stratification would hurt “already pre-cold stratified seeds”. What’s your success with Baker Creek seeds?
by MeasurementFirst1676
10 Comments
*technically* yes on cold stratification for both (30 days should be more than enough) but i have personally started both of these species (eta: straight species Monarda didyma is what i am referring to, idk shit about “Panorama Red”) from seed without it.
btw, baker creek has a history of shady behavior and definitely probably is up to no good.
I tried starting seeds indoors via heated germination mat and mini “greenhouse”, they germinated but then died off.
I also put some outside in a milk jug and let them do their thing while the insane weather has cycled between 15F-87F and I have quite a few little seedlings sprouting and doing well.
Zone 7a
I didn’t and my Milkweed (same packet) germinated fine
A. Tuberosa germinates pretty well in warm water (either on a heat mat or warm place like top backish of fridge)
I am not crazy about cultivars , this Bee Balm has a red tint not good , the other native is ok , always purchase with Latin name only . My go to place to purchase seeds is Prairie Moon Nursery I know 100% the seeds are safe and not received chemicals called neonicotinoid , if you live in PA , Hungry Hook Farm sell PA ecotype .
Cold stratification is not cold, moist stratification. If your nighttime temps will be in the 5° C or lower for 30 days you can put the milkweed seeds outdoors in pots now. If not, stratify in fridge for 30 days in moist paper towel in Ziploc or moist sand. Bee balm should be fine without.
Don’t use bakers creek, a google search will show you they support white supremacist
I’ve grown both old-fashioned wild bergamot bee balm and swamp milkweed from seed started indoors. I think I was too clueless to cold stratify the bee balm (some time ago), and I stuck the milkweed in the freezer for a couple of weeks before sowing. Both did well and are growing in the garden still.
That said, I would be wary of whatever BC says, implies or suggests about their seeds, etc..
I’m starting M. punctata and fistulosa indoors without any strat. These are from a different company that may or may not be any better (Amazon).
I’ve sown two meadows in May and gotten M. punctata, A. tuberosa, and A. incarnates the first year. (I’m in 8a.) I don’t know that I got M. fistulosa the first year but a hort friend says it should be doable.
Monarda just needs to be surface sown, not necessary to be cold stratified.
Check out Monarda didyma if you want a red one, though it doesn’t have a wide range.