About the plant
What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.
- Habit
- Biennial, Forb/herb
- Native range
- Native to the lower 48 states
Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.
Source: PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS.
This source reports 5 treatments. All are shown.
Protocol 1
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 20, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
- 1
Sow on the surface — do not cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: light
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 16 days to germinate.
86% germination in 4–16 days.
Light beats dark, GA-3 and cold. Nothing else here is needed.
Protocol 2
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Sow around November 2026 — a date the source gives, not one counted back from a May 3 last frost.
- 1
Sow outdoors and leave it
Placed outdoors in November; up in April.
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 150 days to germinate.
85% germination in 150 days.
Out in November, up in April, 85% -- as good as the best bench treatment.
This source doesn't state how long.
Protocol 3
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 18, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
- 1
- 2
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 18 days to germinate.
83% germination in 2–18 days.
GA-3 substitutes for light almost exactly.
Protocol 4
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
- 1
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 21 days to germinate.
60% germination in 4–21 days.
It will germinate in the dark, at about two thirds of the lit result.
Protocol 5
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.
Start around January 1, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
- 1
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 40°F 4°C
26% germinated at 40 itself. Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
- 2
Warm moist stratification
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
A further 51%, in 2-4 days.
about 3 months from start to sowing. Then 4 days to germinate.
51% germination in 2–4 days.
26% comes up in the cold itself, then 51% within days of the move to 70.
This source doesn't state how long.