Unlike some other plants, petunia seeds usually do not need stratification. They have a thin coating that does not require cold treatment to germinate. However, there are some points to consider. For example, if you have purchased old petunia seeds, it may be advisable to stratify them before sowing for seedlings.
It is not recommended to put good petunia seeds in the refrigerator, as this can cause rotting. If you want to be cautious with old seeds, conduct a short stratification before sowing. To do this, place the seeds on a damp paper towel, fold it in half, place it in a container with a lid and ventilation holes, and put it in the refrigerator for a week. Then transfer the container to a warm place with good lighting, remove the top paper layer if it has not yet decomposed, and then transplant the seeds into a seedling container.
Stratification can improve the germination of old petunia seeds and provide more seedlings. However, if you have good and fresh seeds, stratification is not necessary. It may lead to seed damage if they are exposed to excess moisture or incorrect temperature conditions. Therefore, use stratification only when necessary.
Good petunia seeds can simply be distributed over the soil surface without burying them, and lightly pressed with a finger. Moisten the soil with a sprayer and create greenhouse conditions by covering the container with clear plastic or glass. Maintain the optimal germination temperature within 20-25°C. Under such conditions, seeds usually germinate in 7-10 days.