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Storing Seeds
To keep seed viable, store in a dry, dark, cool place and in dry, airtight containers. Seeds can be kept viable for years by storing them in dry, sealed Mason Jars stored in the lower shelves of the kitchen refrigerator. Remember: modern, frost free refrigerators have a very dry internal atmosphere, so make sure the storage containers are sealed tightly or your seeds could in time dry out.
Germination
Seeds require moisture, warmth and darkness for successful germination.
We recommend you use clean water. Most municipal water supplies have clean, pH neutral waterthat is very suitable for germinationn. A small amoount of chlorination is beneficial for killing a lot of the parasites in the water.
If the local water supply is not of good enough quality to drink then don't use it to germinate seeds. Bottled spring water, without additives or carbonation, is usually a good source of water for germination. |
For best germination results, fill a glass with clean, room temperature water. Drop seeds into the water. The seeds should be left to soak in a dark warm place (65 - 80 degrees F). A kitchen cupboard is usually suitable. Check the seeds about every 12 hours. Tap down the seeds that are floating with your fingertips, don't worry if they continue to float.
Usually within 48 hours the seeds swell and split their outer seed casings. DO NOT continue soaking after the white, initial roots are visible at the crack in the seed casings. The seeds are ready to plant at this point. Soaking the seeds until the roots are exposed can result in stressful, early root damage.
Plant the seeds in a clean, pH balanced medium. The medium should be loose and light with very good drainage. We recommend a blend of Perlite, vermiculite, and sphagnum moss. This can be purchased premixed and can be used alone or mixed with light, sterilized potting soil. |
Seeds should be planted in a container that is at least 4 inches deep to allow the initial tarp root to grow straight down. The container should have drainage holes. Seeds should be planted about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch deep. The medium or soil should be thoroughly damp. High hummidity is essential to good germination rates.
Keep the planted seeds covered with clear plastic. Place the planted seeds under horticultural lights or a cold frame in a warm humid environment (20 - 25 degrees C / 67 - 78 degrees F).
Remove plastic covers, once the sprouts have cleared the soil surface and the first true senate leaves are forming. Keep medium or soil damp and fertilized with half strength vegetative fertilizer during at this stage and watch'em grow.
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