Can poppy seeds be artificially stratified?

[papasmurf1978]

I was unable to plant poppy seeds early enough for my area (mid-appalachia). I was wondering if I could stratify the seeds in the fridge/freezer the same way I would Belladonna etc... My internet research gave mixed results, some sources stating no problem, others stating don't waste the time, never happen. I'm going to try it anyway. I have nothing to lose except a little time and seeds, but am interested if anyone here has tried this. Any suggestions? Would any particular strain lend itself to fridge stratification? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[sekio]

Don't waste your time; it's possible, but it's a lot easier to just throw them on the ground

 

[papasmurf1978]

Update: I tried it anyway... 100 Jiffy peat pots, pre moistened, planted with 3-4 poppy seeds per pot, and cycled 1 day in freezer, 1 day in fridge about 10 times, then just in the fridge for 10 days. The germination rate was about 30% and most of the plants are doing well now, although a few seem to be stunted in growth. The ironic thing is that I also just scattered seeds in the usual manner even though it was later in the year than usual for my area and the germination rate of the direct sown seeds was around 70%. But it was a good experiment.

 

[kokaino]

This isn't really BDD material.

---->OD