Aim
To find out the ideal length of time to stratify peach stones to break dormancy to increase the rate of germination.
Stratification is a method of pre-treating some seed types by exposing them to cold, moist conditions for a period of time. This cold, moist period copies natural processes such as frosty, wet winter soil conditions. It softens the seed coat, triggers the seed embryo to start growing and breaks down or removes chemicals that may stop or slow up germination. The soft seed coat allows water to enter to start the germination process.
Hypothesis
Stratified peach stones will germinate faster than unstratified peach stones. Those that have been stratified for the longest period of time will germinate faster than the others.