Starting Rose Seeds: Warmth, Not Fridge, for Germination

Common Misconceptions

A gardener stratified rose seeds in damp paper towels in the fridge for 45 days with no sprouting. The expert notes: rose seeds are unusual—most roses are grown from cuttings. But if seeds are genuine, they need warmth and moisture, not cold.

Correct Germination

• Soak seeds a few hours in slightly warm water.
• Sow in a moist growing medium with bottom heat (warm base).
• Keep consistently warm and damp.

Refrigeration is for stratification of some temperate seeds, not typically for roses. Verify seed source and identity.