Grapes have extreme dormancy, resulting in generally something like a 10% germination rate. In my experience, about half of those that do germinate aren’t strong enough to emerge from the seed and die with their leaves still trapped.
My experience has been slightly higher than 10%, maybe 20? Anyway, I have been trying to germinate grape seeds. I have tried a number of processes, and cold followed by heat seems to work the best.
I just found a study that involved clipping the “beak” and soaking the seeds. The dormancy is apparently not in the seed, but the result of an extremely hard seed coat that doesn’t let water in.
So a series of tests. First, a group of seeds that had 60 days cold moist stratification starting 2/1. Four different types, including my own seeds that are probably 5 years old. Half will be given heat after soaking.
Second, the remains of a group of seeds started April of 23. Some germinated (not their fault the velociraptors got to them). At this point there’s no loss if the tests don’t work.
Based on the look and feel of the seeds, I expected these to be dead. All crumbled when I cut off the beak.
Initial group before besks were clipped.
Final losses. All these crumbled when clipped.
Final group, beaks clipped.
