Effects of cold stratification and duration on seed germination of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer)

This study investigated the effects of cold stratification temperature and duration on seed germination of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). Seeds were subjected to four temperatures (5–20 °C) and three durations (1–3 months) in a factorial design. Radicle emergence and seedling establishment were significantly affected by stratification temperature, duration, and their interaction (P < 0.05). The highest germination (78.00%) and seedling establishment (74.67%) were achieved at 5 °C for 3 months. Increasing stratification duration improved germination, whereas higher temperatures (≥15 °C) reduced performance. These results indicate that prolonged low-temperature stratification effectively promotes dormancy release. Stratification at 5 °C for 3 months is recommended to optimize seed propagation efficiency in P. ginseng.