Gaultheria procumbens, or checkerberry, a reduced-maintenance evergreen groundcover, thrives within U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 8. Checkerberry needs continuous dampness if developed in hotter climates and shade. Planting from seed is the effective and most frequent approach to develop Gaultheria procumbens shrubs that are new. The seeds are relatively challenging to germinate due to normal dormancy and their hard hull, therefore it’s most useful to process the seeds before planting them to aid germination.
Rub each Gaultheria procumbens seed with fine- sandpaper to weaken the hull. Before the hull assumes a whitish look rub one aspect of the seed. Soak the seeds. The following morning, drain them.
Fill 2inch starter pots with sterile, nutrient-poor seedling compost. Pack the compost to the pots to eliminate any air that is trapped. Each pot with water before the compost is saturated.
Sow two Gaultheria procumbens seeds in every single pot that is starter. Press them firmly onto the surface of the soil. Cover them using a 1/4 inch- layer of compost that is seedling. Spray the compost to to be in it.
Place the pots in outside or the fridge where temperatures remain below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, for example against a north-facing wall. Expose the seeds to winter for 30 to 60 times. Maintain mild dampness through the stratification period in the compost.
Once day-time temperatures reach 68 F move the pots into a warm location with vibrant light in spring. Shelter the pots from sunlight and salt spray in coastal locations. Water frequently to preserve dampness.
Watch in six months for signs of germination. Pluck out if both seeds germinate effectively as well as discard small of the two Gaultheria procumbens seedlings from every pot. Keep the one that is strongest.
Slowly acclimate the Gaultheria procumbens seedlings to sunlight on the course of 30 days. Increase their coverage by 15 minutes each day without wilting till they are able to stand sunlight for eight hours.
Transplant the seedlings into individual nursery containers stuffed with moderately acidic soil like rhododendron blend or a rose. Before transplanting them to the garden grow them in a container for 12 months.