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Mineral Virginia

Hi All,

I collected seeds I wanted to keep last fall; while I was trying to dry them out, some of them started to sprout, so I put them in the freezer. Some years back I think we had discussed this here and since it happens in nature, well ok right?

I took them out about a month ago and so far cannot get any to germinate, when they were germinating in open air on the counter last November.

Anyone ever run into this? I have tried the wet paper towel method, putting them directly in peat pots, and yestterday filing the edges of the seeds down thinking they might be having trouble breaking the casings. My temps aren't the best, but I had several AG's from varying sources sprout right along side them just fine.

tia,

Scott

4/22/2005 9:50:38 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

If the seeds spouted, then you threw them in the freezer they are toast. Once the sprouting part begins you are dealing with a living organism that does not deal well with freezing. Its hard to explain but a dried seed is like a little mass of energy waiting for the right conditions. When the right conditions are met a reaction occurs and the event starts. You can't stop it, unless you kill it. So by putting them in the freezer after they sprouted you have ended the event known as growing. :( Sorry

4/22/2005 10:36:36 AM

Mineral Virginia

I wasn't real clear, but thanks for being gentle in your reply.

I pulled the ones out that had sprouted and threw them away, before I froze them. There were nearly 3000 seeds in the lot; I find it hard to believe all, or even half, had germinated at the time. All the ones I kept, or the majority of them anyway that I see, the casing isn't even broken.

4/22/2005 4:06:29 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Even though you could not see the others sprouting the process may have begun.

4/22/2005 4:53:48 PM

Oz

try soaking them in a water bottle for 3 days. you can add a mild fert.
then plant.

4/22/2005 7:40:58 PM

Oz

soak in the sun

4/22/2005 7:41:20 PM

Syracuse, NY

they must have been really potent seeds!!! sorry....
actually it would be neat in a way to find out how that could POSSIBLY happen. were they being fan-blown, was it really warm and humid and/or.....if you remember-----eric

4/22/2005 8:15:00 PM

Indiana

If the seeds werent dry enough before you put them in the freezer they may have all been destroyed they have to be dry before they get frozen.

4/23/2005 10:46:39 AM

Mineral Virginia

They had been laying out on the counter for about 3-4 days, were dry down to being slightly tacky, then started germinating all over the place. Room temp, laying on newspaper.

I was about to try soaking them all just to see if the entire batch is bad. I'll let you know.

thanks to all.

4/25/2005 3:18:33 PM