Propagation Resources


Online Resources

  • Tom Clothier’s Garden Walk and Talk

    Tom Clothier has a number of seed germination databases on a wide range of plant types: annuals, biennials, perennials, shrubs, and even a dedicated Penstemon germination database! He also has several articles, and an index for Norm Deno’s works.

  • Alplains Nursery

    Alplains is run by Alan Bradshaw in Colorado. In addition to providing a great seed catalogue containing many western natives, his site is also a great resource for germination requirements of many plants.


Propagation Books and Articles

  • Propagation by Seed Handout

    by Rebecca Lance

    A short handout that summarizes a few seed propagation ideas and methods that were discussed at SRGS workshops/meetings 2023.

  • Seed Propagation of Native California Plants

    By Dara Emery

    This is an indispensable book for those interested in growing native California plants from seed. Dara discusses numerous strategies for seed propagation and then offers a very extensive list of many native California plants with recommended seed treatment for each species.

  • Seed Germination Theory and Practice

    by Norm Deno

    This is a great resource for the propagation geek. Norm Deno describes many mechanisms that trigger seed germination. He then describes germination patterns and requirements for many plant genera, including lots of rock garden plants. He published two supplements to the first volume, which include even more plant species. These are no longer in print, but pdf versions are now available for free through the USDA.