The seeds of many native plants have built-in dormancy mechanisms which protect them from germinating before killing frosts or in times of droughts. In the wild, seeds will lie dormant until the proper conditions for growth occur. But in cultivation, a restorationist must become familiar with several simple pre-sowing seed treatment methods which will unlock the dormancy mechanisms and stimulate quicker, more consistent germination. This fact is useful in counteracting the problem of prairie grass out-competing forbs. This differential stratification will give prairie forbs an advantage over grasses in the initial phase of establishment.
Different species have different germination requirements.
In general, seeds must be encouraged to imbibe water, be exposed to proper temperatures, and have proper ventilation and adequate time in order to transform themselves into living plants.