Ceanothus americanus seeds, American Ceanothus

Sowing **Ceanothus americanus** (American ceanothus), a shrub appreciated for its fragrant white flowers and its hardiness, requires special care to break the natural dormancy of the seeds. Here is a detailed guide to successful sowing:

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### Materials needed:
- Seeds of **Ceanothus americanus**.
- Light, well-drained substrate (potting soil mixed with sand or perlite).
- Hot water for soaking.
- Seedling pots or trays.
- Stratification tray or refrigerator.
- Spray bottle or watering can with low flow.

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### Steps for sowing:

#### 1. **Seed harvest and preparation**:
- Harvest the seeds in late summer or fall, when they are fully ripe.
- Clean them to remove any pulp or residue.

#### 2. **Thermal scarification**:
- **Ceanothus americanus** seeds have a hard shell that requires thermal scarification to facilitate germination.
- **Method** :
- Soak the seeds in hot water (around **80°C**), then let them soak until the water cools, for **12 to 24 hours**.

#### 3. **Cold stratification**:
- The seeds also benefit from a period of cold stratification to break their dormancy.
- Mix the seeds with a moist substrate (sand or vermiculite) and place them in an airtight plastic bag or closed container.
- Store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of **2 to 5°C** for **2 to 3 months**.
- Check regularly that the substrate remains slightly damp.

#### 4. **Substrate preparation**:
- Mix seed starting soil with sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
- Fill your pots or seed trays with this mixture.

#### 5. **Sowing the seeds**:
- Sow the stratified seeds at a depth of **1 to 2 cm**.
- Cover them lightly with a thin layer of sieved substrate.
- Tamp gently to ensure good contact between the seeds and the substrate.

#### 6. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten the substrate with a spray bottle or a low-flow watering can.
- Maintain constant humidity without soaking the soil.

#### 7. **Germination conditions**:
- Place the pots in a bright place, but away from direct sunlight.
- The ideal temperature for germination is **20 to 25 °C**.
- Be patient: germination can take **1 to 3 months**, or even longer.

#### 8. **Replanting**:
- When the seedlings reach **5 to 10 cm** in height and develop several true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
- Use a similar substrate and continue to grow them in a bright but protected place.

#### 9. **Planting in open ground**:
- Transplant the young plants into their final location in spring or fall, after their first year of growth.
- Space the plants **1 to 2 meters** apart.

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### Additional tips:
- **Exposure**: **Ceanothus americanus** prefers sunny or slightly shaded locations.
- **Soil**: It tolerates poor, dry and slightly acidic soils, but it must be well drained.
- **Hardiness**: This shrub is very hardy and can tolerate low winter temperatures.
- **Watering**: Water moderately during the first few weeks after planting. Once established, it tolerates drought well.
- **Maintenance**: Prune lightly to maintain a compact shape and encourage abundant flowering.

With these steps, you will be able to successfully grow **Ceanothus americanus**, an attractive plant that will add an elegant and eco-friendly touch to your garden. 🌿