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?
Seed storage questions
Forum rules
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
- el48tel
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 5281
- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
- Joined: 04 Aug 2018
- Branch: LEEDS
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Leeds
Seed storage questions
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.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
- Phil_SK
- Moderator
- Posts: 5442
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: MACCLESFIELD & EAST CHESHIRE
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Forum Moderator
- Location: Stockport, UK
Re: Seed storage questions
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
- el48tel
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 5281
- Joined: 04 Aug 2018
- Branch: LEEDS
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Leeds
Re: Seed storage questions
ThanksPhil_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.
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.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
- Phil_SK
- Moderator
- Posts: 5442
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: MACCLESFIELD & EAST CHESHIRE
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Forum Moderator
- Location: Stockport, UK
Re: Seed storage questions
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
Re: Seed storage questions
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.
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.
- el48tel
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 5281
- Joined: 04 Aug 2018
- Branch: LEEDS
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Leeds
Re: Seed storage questions
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.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
- el48tel
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 5281
- Joined: 04 Aug 2018
- Branch: LEEDS
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Leeds
Re: Seed storage questions
Static - thanks - not thought of that.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.
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.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.