From our point of view, nestled within our hard, protective coat, we are a tiny promise of a future Daphne plant. We contain the complete genetic blueprint, the essence of our parent, waiting for the precise conditions to awaken. This state of dormancy is not laziness; it is a survival strategy. Our outer shell is tough by design, making it difficult for us to germinate immediately. This ensures we do not sprout at an inopportune time, like on a warm autumn day just before the killing frost of winter. We require a period of cold, moist stratification to mimic the natural winter passage. This cold period breaks our physiological dormancy, signaling that it is safe to emerge when warmth returns.
For you to help us grow, you must become a partner in mimicking nature's cycle. We cannot germinate by simply being placed in warm soil. You must provide us with a artificial winter. This process, which you call cold stratification, is non-negotiable. Place us in a sealed plastic bag with a moistened medium like sterile sand, vermiculite, or even a damp paper towel. Then, you must place this bag in your refrigerator's vegetable drawer for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. This cool, moist environment convinces us that winter has passed, and it is now safe to break our dormancy and begin our growth.
After our required chilling period, we are ready for warmth and light. Sow us on the surface of a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix. We are tiny and do not wish to be buried; a light dusting of the growing medium is all the cover we need. The pot must be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, as we are extremely susceptible to fungal rot at this tender stage. Place our container in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Patience is crucial here. Our germination is notoriously slow and erratic. Do not be disheartened if some of us take several weeks, or even a few months, to send up our first delicate shoots. We are not in a hurry; we are establishing our roots first.
Once we push our first pair of true leaves above the soil, our needs become more specific. We detest having our roots disturbed. Any attempt to prick us out and transplant us too early will likely be fatal. It is best to sow us in individual small pots from the beginning. We require excellent drainage above all else; soggy soil is our greatest enemy. Water us carefully, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Provide us with bright, indirect light and protect us from harsh, direct sun and strong drafts. We are slow-growing and will take our time to establish a strong root system before putting on significant top growth.
