(Vitex agnus-castus) Perennial. Zone 7. Native range—Mediterranean. Verbenaceae (Verbena) Family.
Also known as Lilac Chastetree, it tolerates drought, deer and salinity well. Its mid-Summer lavender blooms are very fragrant and attractive to butterflies. Many medicinal uses, especially for reproductive health.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Then, mix seeds with a moistened soil 4x seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container.
STRATIFICATION:90 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds on the soil surface, tamp down gently. Seeds require light to germinate. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (warmer than 20 °C) and night (cooler than 20°C) can help germination. Water evenly and regularly, bottom watering is best.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 40-50 days.
Stratifying Seeds Naturally Outdoors in the Fall
How to Stratify Tree Seeds Indoors
——————————
Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia.
