Hi Angie, I am not sure if they need cold strat? Did a google search, but could not find any good info on this. I sowed mine on February 26th and they sprouted on April 26th, so they got some cold treatment whether they needed it or not. I would go ahead and try sowing them. It seems that this plant is very easy to propogate and grows quite vigorously, bordering on being a noxious weed in some places. I would be surprised if they didn't grow for you.

I have not grown them from seed, but I do know that it takes a long time after the flower is dead for the seeds to show up. I have propagated from cuttings which is real easy. All I do is cut right under a leaf, take off the leaves, just leaving a few at the top, stick it in soil in a pot and keep watered for a while. Originally I keep it in the shade, but when I can pull on the stalk and it doesn't easily move, then I start adding sun to its routine. I plant them once they have been in full sun for a while.

I too love birches and would love a little wood of them. I would plant Scottish bluebells under them en mass. A seed trading friend of mine in California sent me three bags of birch seeds (besides the ones I got myself from the little tree at Lowe's). They are European Birch, White American Paper Birch and one other that I cannot recall off hand. I read that they had to be fresh or they wouldn't grow, so I didn't planted them. But now, I think I will go ahead and try sprouting them. What have I got to lose? I think if I put them in very soggy paper towels and stick them in plastic bags, they should sprout, as that is where they sprout best in their natural environment - on the banks of brooks and rivers where it is very wet. Worth a try. Eduarda, I appreciate your input. Muito Obrigada! ~Annie

Fresh seed produce most reliable germination. Old and dried seed may produce some seedlings, but the germination percentage will probably be low or none and takes longer. Trillium seed require a double dormancy, a warm-cold-warm period and a second warm-cold-warm period. If seed are planted and left outdoors, they usually begin germination during the second year. Select a pot or tray large enough to accomodate the quantity of seed you have, without crowding them. If the pot is a reused one, sterilize it by washing in a solution of one part household chlorine bleach and nine parts water. Use a soilless mix, or better, a seed starting mix, which is a finer texture. Moisten the mixture before planting the seed. Be sure the pot or tray has good drainage. Place the seed on the moistened mix, keeping them separated as much as possible. I use tweezers or plastic gloves to avoid contact with the seed, which may contaminate them. Cover the seed with about ½" of moistened potting mix and then ½" or less of washed coarse sand. This prevents moss and algae from growing on the surface. Cover the pot with a fine metal screen mesh to prevent rodent damage. You may plunge the pot in sand or soil, up to just below the rim and cover with leaves or conifer needles during the winter, to conserve moisture. Remove the mulch in the spring. Check frequently during dry periods for soil moisture and do not allow the soil to become dry. When seed begin to germinate, you will see a single leaf-like form (cotyledon) emerge. It usually remains for the first year and true leaves will emerge the following year. Depending upon the species, it will usually require 3-5 years before flowering occurs. Some say much longer. To prevent damping-off, drench the soil with garlic water after planting. (one or two cloves of minced garlic in a pint of water, let steep for a few hours). If you use sterilized soil and pot and good sanitation practice, that is usually unnecessary. After true leaves appear, if you wish to fertilize them, use a slow release general purpose fertilizer, such as 14-14-14, in the spring. I usually wait until they attain a height of several inches before removing them from the pots and transplanting in the garden. Hope other members with experience growing Trillium from seed will chime in with their process. Always helps to have different perspectives. Rb