Cotinus Color Mix (Smoke Bush) [15 Seeds]

Germination Information: I recommend these seeds for experienced seed-starters only, because they are apparently very challenging to start and may require patience and experimentation. Some sources recommend pouring near-boiling water over the seeds and letting them soak for a day or two before sowing to help to soften the hard seed coat. Then, sow into a pot of moist growing medium. If you’re sowing in fall to early winter, set the pot outdoors in a spot protected from mice. If sowing in January or after, put the pot in a plastic bag and refrigerate it for 60 to 90 days before moving it to a warm place.

Some other sources that these seeds benefit from a 3-month warm-moist period before the cold-moist period. I’d suggest trying the above chilling approach first. Then, if no seedlings appear the first summer, leave the pot outside through the fall and winter and hope for seedlings the following summer.

so they can get a chilling period and then germinate when conditions are right in spring.

If you sow after January, set the pot in a plastic bag in your refrigerator for about 2 months before moving it to a warm, bright place for germination. (Remove the bag if the pot will be exposed to any direct sun.)

It is possible that these seeds could germinate if you sow them in warm, moist, bright conditions. But if you try that and no seedlings appear in 3 to 4 weeks, then try the refrigerator-chilling approach above before moving them back to warmth and light.