Old seeds
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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!
- Ali Baba
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Old seeds
I was having a sort out today in my seed store (basically an airtight jar with lots of drying agent at the bottom) and found a surprising number of packets of half sown and unsown cactus and succulent seed, up to 8 years old. Much of it is half packets of mesemb seed from Mesa garden, so I reckon they will still be viable. But what about the cactus seed? Anyone have any experience of sowing seed that has been in storage for a few years? The jars are kept at 5C.
- Tony R
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Re: Old seeds
Hi Alan,
In my experience some cacti seeds seem to be viable after a decade or more, Mamm. louisae and Cleisto. strausii are two that I sow regularly from old seed. Others of course, like Fraileas, seem to need to be very fresh. For the sake of a few extra pots of seed compost, it's always worth trying (if you have space). Good luck!
In my experience some cacti seeds seem to be viable after a decade or more, Mamm. louisae and Cleisto. strausii are two that I sow regularly from old seed. Others of course, like Fraileas, seem to need to be very fresh. For the sake of a few extra pots of seed compost, it's always worth trying (if you have space). Good luck!
Tony Roberts
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(Gasteria, Mammillaria, small Opuntia, Cleistocactus and Sempervivum are my current special interests)
Treasurer, Haworthia Society
Chairman, Tephrocactus Study Group
Moderator, BCSS Forum
Kent
(Gasteria, Mammillaria, small Opuntia, Cleistocactus and Sempervivum are my current special interests)
- habanerocat
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Re: Old seeds
I sowed my own fresh Echinocereus seed this year but was very disappointed with the results so I read up a bit on them. Found this in a fairly new book.
Sometimes it seems that older seed germinates better, so it is a good idea to sow left over seed portions too. The best results are obtained by sowing at the new moon.
How weird is that?
Sometimes it seems that older seed germinates better, so it is a good idea to sow left over seed portions too. The best results are obtained by sowing at the new moon.
How weird is that?
- Ali Baba
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Re: Old seeds
Thanks that’s encouraging . Time to sow that Discocactus horstii seed from the one time I got fruit in 2016!
- Chris L
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Re: Old seeds
Years ago I got some seed sent to me from Harry Middleditch (The Chilean's organiser). I am sure some of that must have been at least 10 years old judging by the packets. Some of it might have been 15+ years old.
I got some germination, but sadly most of them struggled to survive and I don't think I've actually got any left. Probably more down to my less good growing technique at the time.
Always worth a try if you've got the room. If nothing shows after a few weeks then not much is lost only a bit of compost.
I got some germination, but sadly most of them struggled to survive and I don't think I've actually got any left. Probably more down to my less good growing technique at the time.
Always worth a try if you've got the room. If nothing shows after a few weeks then not much is lost only a bit of compost.
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- Aiko
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Re: Old seeds
Gymnocalyciums should still be fine. From Succulenta I got a bunch of mixed cacti seeds from 2008. Everything that came up a year ago and I still have growing, is Gymnocalycium.
- ralphrmartin
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Re: Old seeds
Some years ago, I was given some Echinopsis x Lobivia seed over 20 years old (originally from Gordon Rowley) - and it germinated like cress. The chap who gave it me kept his house fairly cold in winter, mind.
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- Ali Baba
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Re: Old seeds
I have quite a bit of interesting Rebutia seed so that is encouragingralphrmartin wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 6:20 pm Some years ago, I was given some Echinopsis x Lobivia seed over 20 years old (originally from Gordon Rowley) - and it germinated like cress. The chap who gave it me kept his house fairly cold in winter, mind.
- MikeT
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Re: Old seeds
Some 5 or 6 weeks ago I planted some 2015 Sedum Society seed that had been stuck in the seed box rather too long. I now have 2 different Rosularias growing so thickly that they're in need of transplanting.
It's always worth trying old seed. There are some exceptions; I wouldn't bother with old Frailea seed, as Tony said.
It's always worth trying old seed. There are some exceptions; I wouldn't bother with old Frailea seed, as Tony said.
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
- MikeT
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Re: Old seeds
Discussion so far has centered on sowing seed that's been in the packet for a long time. Sometimes seed that's sown doesn't germinate - how long should you keep the pot? With Opuntias I routinely keep for a few years, it often takes more than 1 year for germination. I don't usually keep other failed germination pots. Maybe I should. This Crassula coccinea was the sole seed to germinate when sown last year.
If there had been good germination, it would probably have been transplanted by now. Recently I noticed something else in the pot.
It's taken its time, but the overall germination rate has now doubled. Bit of catching up to do with its older sibling.
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525