Seed storage questions

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el48tel
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Seed storage questions

Post by el48tel »

I am anticipating that I may be collecting some seeds in the near future (probably hybrid rather than species).
What is the best medium for storage, paper envelope or polythene bag?
Where's the best storage location, fridge, freezer, or warm cupboard?
When's the best time for sowing, after harvesting or next spring?
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
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Phil_SK
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Re: Seed storage questions

Post by Phil_SK »

Mine go in either reused seed envelopes or folded-up bits of paper, then in a little clip-and-lock plastic box and I keep them in the back of the fridge. If only for my own convenience, I sow in spring. I let the box come up to room temperature before opening it so that loads of moisture doesn't condense on the contents.
Phil Crewe, BCSS 38143. Mostly S. American cacti, esp. Lobivia, Sulcorebutia and little Opuntia
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el48tel
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Re: Seed storage questions

Post by el48tel »

Phil_SK wrote: Sat Jul 13, 2019 5:22 pm Mine go in either reused seed envelopes or folded-up bits of paper, then in a little clip-and-lock plastic box and I keep them in the back of the fridge. If only for my own convenience, I sow in spring. I let the box come up to room temperature before opening it so that loads of moisture doesn't condense on the contents.
Thanks
Is it worth putting silica gel in the storage box?
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
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Phil_SK
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Re: Seed storage questions

Post by Phil_SK »

Yes, though to be worthwhile you'd need to dry it (maybe annually if you keep your container well-sealed).
Phil Crewe, BCSS 38143. Mostly S. American cacti, esp. Lobivia, Sulcorebutia and little Opuntia
Terry S.

Re: Seed storage questions

Post by Terry S. »

Put the seeds into paper envelopes. Apart from other factors such as flow of air and moisture, small seeds stick to polythene via static and are difficult to get out again!

The majority of seeds are probably best in the 'fridge but it is not essential for short periods. However store members of the mesembryanthemum family at room temperature because they continue their ripening process after harvest and then remain viable for many years.
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el48tel
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Re: Seed storage questions

Post by el48tel »

Phil_SK wrote: Sun Jul 14, 2019 7:27 am Yes, though to be worthwhile you'd need to dry it (maybe annually if you keep your container well-sealed).
TRUE! but hopefully all seeds sown and growing successfully - and in my case that's the bit which is the weakest link
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
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el48tel
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Re: Seed storage questions

Post by el48tel »

Terry S. wrote: Sun Jul 14, 2019 9:20 am Put the seeds into paper envelopes. Apart from other factors such as flow of air and moisture, small seeds stick to polythene via static and are difficult to get out again!

The majority of seeds are probably best in the 'fridge but it is not essential for short periods. However store members of the mesembryanthemum family at room temperature because they continue their ripening process after harvest and then remain viable for many years.
Static - thanks - not thought of that.
Mesembs - I don't do - so not a problem
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
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