Growing California native plants from seed is a rewarding way to connect with the land, but they do need a little extra care to wake up from dormancy. Many native seeds have tough coats or natural “sleep cycles” that protect them in the wild. To help them sprout, you may need to use stratification (a cool, moist rest period that mimics winter) or scarification (gently nicking or rubbing the seed coat to let in moisture).

Don’t be discouraged if not every seed germinates—rates can vary widely, sometimes 20–60%, depending on the species. That’s part of nature’s strategy!

Instead of scattering seeds directly in the ground, we recommend starting them in containers or seed trays. This gives you more control over moisture, protection from pests, and better tracking of which seedlings are thriving. By starting this way, you’ll also become familiar with how the young plants of each species look, making it easier to recognize and protect them later in more informal garden settings. Once established, your seedlings will be ready to move into the garden and shine in their permanent home.