[CH] seed saving
byron bromley (byron.bromley@gsd-co.com)
Fri, 29 Sep 2000 18:12:54 -0400
>If those who would provide reminders would wait a day >or so to see if
others >
>ask to be reminded as well, then perhaps the advice >could be posted to the
list. If I'm alone in this request, >however, please advise me off-list.
>(Thinking of advisories from Dave Anderson, Lord >Byron, Dan
McChileCheeseHead, and others who save >them rather than eat them)
Well Sir Gareth since it's you.
BTW removing some seeds from pods just before drying or tossing in a pot,
won't change things one bit.
For small quantities like a pod or 2.
Dig out the seeds out and toss in a small jar like a small mayo or Maries
Blue cheese. Almost fill the jar with water.
Set in place out of the sunlight.
For about 3 days, shake the jar well about 1 time a day.
After 3rd day open jar and remove floaters, these are immature seeds.
Dump out jar into fine mesh strainer.
Rinse well.
Place seeds on one side of a plate, with a pencil under that side. This
helps drain excess water away from seeds. About 12 hours later remove any
excess water, Paper towel works fine.
Then spread the seeds out over the plate, Ideal is no 2 seeds touching.
Allow them to air dry for a week.
I store mine in just a plain paper envelopes, Had 90% germination up to 3
years later. Just keeping them at room temperature.
Tried a test of freezing seeds, I only had 50% germination after 3 months
of storage.
Have had mold in zip lock bags.
This way works for me.
Lord Byron