Sacred Seed - Exotic Seed And Houseplant Shop
Specializing in medicinal, rare, and otherwise intriguing plants.
Toronto Ontario Canada
www.sacredseed.com
Email: postmaster@sacredseed.com

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We work hard to ensure the quality and origin/authenticity of everything we sell. There's nothing more important to us than customer satisfaction. We purchase seeds only from highly respected seed breeders and their official distributors, and keep seeds in their original packaging (and quantity per package), whenever possible.

All of our products are intended and sold for legal and safe use only, of course. Some seeds, or the plants they can produce, may be toxic, and some may be illegal in various circumstances or areas of the world. Our intention is to provide a reliable, informative and compassionate source of medicinal plant seeds for people who are authorized medical patients / growers / researchers / dealers in accordance with Canadian, and international, law. Any purchase involves a certification by our customer that they have legal authorization to possess what they are buying, as well as an agreement that our customer will not act in conflict with any law. While we aim to provide as much information as possible, it is the responsibility of every customer to avoid any unsafe or improper use.

Explanation of Sow Numbers

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The optimal sowing time and method for each variety of seed listed in this catalogue can be determined by locating the "sow numbers" of each seed listing. It may be any combination of numbers from "1" to "5" and it may also included an "S". The numbers correspond to the "sowing times" listed below. When more than one number is given, there are more than one times suitable for starting the seed. The "S" indicates seeds that require an after-ripening period before germination will commence. A pretreatment, called stratification, is helpful in these cases (see below).

1 - Early Spring

Use method A (see below) indoors a month or two before outdoor planting time in your locality.

2 - Late Spring

Use method B (see below) when the ground can be worked and the danger of frost is past.

3 - Late summer or Early Autumn

Both methods (see below) may be used. We prefer to sow small and expensive seeds in flats (method A) and if seedlings are robust enough, we then transplant to the garden that autumn. Slower germinating varieties are left in the flat outside over winter to be transplanted next season. For less expensive or large seeded varieties, or those which do not tolerate transplanting, method B is preferred. Mulch just before winter sets in.

4 - Late Winter

Use method A (see below) but enclose seeded flat in plastic, and expose to freezing temperatures for several weeks. Then bring flat to warmth and remove plastic. Germination should begin. Raise seedlings as in method A. A freezer may be used in off-seasons.

5 - Anytime

(for indoor culture) Use method A (see below). Slight bottom heat (27 C/80 F) can speed germination of some varieties. Adequate sunlight or artificial light is essential for sun-loving herbs.

S - Stratification

Stratification is required. Some seeds with hard coats do not germinate readily without preparatory treatment. Seeds are placed between layers of moist sand or peat at 5 C/40 F. When seeds begin to burst (may take 1-36 months depending on variety), they are sown in the usual manner. A simpler method we often use is to sow seeds in autumn outdoors, covering with mulch, and to let winter take its course. The next season the seed flats or beds are inspected periodically, starting in early spring, for signs of germination. When germination begins, the mulch is removed.

Dried berries germinate better if the outer pulp is removed before sowing. Soak in water, and by maceration, remove the pulp.

A - Container Sowing

Sow seed thinly in flats or shallow pots using a good sterilized sowing mix. Sift enough mix over sown seed to cover twice their thickness, and press firmly. For very fine seed, no covering is needed. Water by placing container in shallow water letting sowing mix absorb moisture slowly. Keep container in warm area (minimum of 15 C/60 F).

Throughout the germination process the moisture factor is most important. Underwatering or overwatering just once can eliminate all chance of success. When watering is required take care soil is not washed away; use a Fogg-it nozzle for best results. As seedlings appear, expose them gradually to full sunlight. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into flats 5cm/3" apart or in small pots. Before planting outdoors, harden plants by gradual exposure to outdoor conditions.

B - Direct Sowing

Turn over garden soil with a shovel or fork. Add conditioners such manure compost, peat moss and sand, if not already added in autumn. Break down large clumps and then cross-rake to produce a fine surface. Sow seed thinly in rows 30-45cm/12-18" apart then cover 3-4 times the thickness of the seed with soil. Press down firmly and water well. Remember to keep the soil moist but not soggy. When seedlings are 8cm/3" high, rows should be thinned out according to the plant's required spacing, usually 30cm/12".