Germination of Lonicera Japonica Seeds

Preparation

• Although some Lonicera species require scarification -- breaking of the seed coat -- to encourage germination, L. japonica seeds do not. They do, however, require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. This is easy to accomplish by enveloping the seeds in a handful of moist sphagnum peat moss or sand. The bundle is then placed in a plastic bag, sealed and placed in the refrigerator for 60 days.

Planting

• Once the Lonicera japonica seeds are stratified they need to be planted in a manner that mimics the conditions found in nature. The easiest way to do this is by planting them in a peaty soil mixture. Seeds are generally sown on the surface of the soil and covered with 1/8-inch layer of peat moss. Planting distance is unimportant at this point because the seedlings will be transplanted before they become too large and begin to crowd one another. The medium must be kept moist at all times during germination. Plastic wrap over the planting container acts like a mini-greenhouse, keeping the soil moist and the environment warm.

Temperature and Light

• The ideal germinating conditions, once again, mimic those found in the honeysuckle's native environment. When the seeds fall to the ground, they are generally shaded, slightly, by the vine's foliage. Dappled sunlight is ideal, but bright, indirect sunlight will suffice. Keep the germinating container in an area that remains at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Seedlings

• Lonicera japonica seedlings require moist soil and lots of sunlight, according to the experts with the U.S. Forest Service. There is a fine line, though, between moist and wet soil. If the soil is too wet, the young roots can't breath and will die. Too much soil moisture also leaves the seedlings susceptible to damping off, a fungal disease. Aim for a moisture content that is similar to that of a well-wrung sponge.