William, you asked some of the same questions I had. Also, I was not sure what "Chinese Asters" were: Callistephus chinensis as you suggested, or Cotoneaster microphyllus. So I didn't even try to guess.
>> I checked the propagating spreadsheet over at that OTHER site ( Whistling ) and read (to my dismay) that they have to be in the freezer first for a minimum of 5 days.
I have heard one or two people saying that freezing seeds (even when dry!) breaks some kinds of dormancy in some seeds. But I never heard that in a source that seemed to have a technical background.
I would only freeze seeds to kill insects and their eggs ... or store them for more than 4 years ... and I would get those seeds darn dry first!
I agree that cold moist stratification usually takes more than five days to break the dormancy (like 2-12 weeks depending on genus), and germination might take another 2-8 weeks for some plants.
I couldn't find starting advice for Callistephus chinensis .
The old T&M germination guide had a suggestion for Cotoneaster, but that is probably NOT "Chinese Aster".
Cotoneaster - Hardy Shrub
- Germinates in 180-365 days at 70F in Acid Peaty Mix
- NEEDS LIGHT TO GERMINATE
- slow and irregular germination
- "See No.15. (3-5 months at 70'F then 3 months in frig) or No. 16."
#16 is winter-sowing
#15 is "Double Dormancy": some species need time cold, like a few weeks or months, THEN time warm. Or time warm, THEN cold, THEN warm again.
