Mendel’s Gardens

Actaea rubra

red baneberry

Family RanunculaceaeGenus Actaea

Protocol

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993
  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

    The seeds are enclosed in a berry

  2. Leach in running water

    Duration: 7 days

    washed in water and cleaned daily

  3. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  4. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  5. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  6. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  7. Cold moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C

  8. Warm moist stratification

    Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  9. Cold moist stratification

    Temperature: 40°F 4°C

    Germination took place at 40, but only after one or more prior cycles.

about 1.5 years from start to sowing. Then 49 days to germinate.

24% germination in 35–49 days.

This source doesn't state how long.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, ActaeaPublic domain
Show the original text
Actaea (Ranunculaceae). The seeds are enclosed in a berry and were given an initial WC for 7 d. Germination took place at 40, but only after one or more prior cycles. The radicle develops at 40 to a length of 2-3 inches after which growth stops. … A. rubra germ. 40-70-40-70-40-70-40(24% in 5-7 w) for fresh seed
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Actaea. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record; the step names come from a fixed list.

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol above.

Habit
Perennial, Forb/herb
Native range
Alaska, Canada, lower 48 states

Source: PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS.