Frustration with Germinating Dog Rose
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Lilliane Zilli
Posted on: April 26, 2002

I have purchased some dog rose seeds from your store. I have unsuccessfully tried to get them to germinate. I sure would like to know what to do!

Dog rose is rated as "difficult to germinate" in our catalogue. That’s because dog rose, like many trees and shrubs, is a slow germinator. The seeds are usually dormant, which is why cold, moist treatments are often recommended for seeds like roses. Typically, commercial growers use a technique called "stratification" where seeds are layered between layers of moist sand in a box and the whole box is stored in a fridge for 1-12 months. When the seeds show swelling and some sprouting they are removed and sown in a seed flat or pot in the normal way.

For non-professionals we advise sowing the seeds outdoors and letting nature take its course. Over winter the seeds gradually become conditioned to germinate as the dormancy mechanism breaks down. Usually seed sown one season will germinate the following spring. For more information in sowing dog rose seeds outdoors, see the article "Dog Roses from Seed" in the "Q&A" section of our website.

Part of the fun of gardening is to succeed at growing these hard-to-germinate varieties. Nothing excites us as much as when we can get a recalictrant seed to germinate and grow and flourish!

We would be happy to send you another packet of seeds so you can try again. Customer service will contact you directly.

I must thank you so much for your most informative email. I sure would like to get more seeds and succeed to grow dog roses. Thank you so much for your offer. I can’t get over the selections you have in your catalogue. I have succeeded in germinating your ‘Lady’ lavender and was sure to succeed with the dog roses. The lemon balm and the mammoth basil are growing wonderfully in our hydroponic basin. Thank you so much for your reply and have a great day!

P.S. I show your catalogue to everyone!


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