Seed saving: deep freeze?

  • 2 Replies
  • 264 Views
*

Subversive_plot

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Location: Athens, Georgia, USA
  • 2422
Seed saving: deep freeze?
« on: August 14, 2022, 12:49 »
I've noticed that some seeds seem to survive freezing temperatures and go on to sprout and produce plants when the weather warms.

Orchid growers know that even tropical orchid seeds can be frozen and thawed to grow at a later date if you are careful.

I'm going to try a little experiment over the winter with some tomato seeds of a variety I don't intend to grow again. I will place in a jar with desiccant for a week.  I'll dry the desiccant after that (oven), cool that down, place the seed back in the jar with the desiccant, pop in the freezer. I'll leave it in the freezer until spring. This is the same treatment that orchid seeds would get.  I will check germination. After a thaw in the refrigerator.  I might try a few other seeds too.

I'm thinking this might be a good way to extend the shelf life of fresh seed that you don't need many of each year.
"Somewhere between right and wrong, there is a garden. I will meet you there."~ Rumi

*

mumofstig

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Location: Kent
  • 58083
Re: Seed saving: deep freeze?
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2022, 13:52 »
I don't know if you have the same thing in USA (I'd presume so) but we have several seed banks, that freeze seeds, to ensure Heritage seed varieties aren't lost forever.
Last year, or maybe the year before  :wacko: the polybag of saved seeds of Mennonite Purple Stripe beans, was alive with pea and bean weevils by Spring. I took a chance and put it in the freezer for a week or 2
When the bag was defrosted the bean seeds were still alive but the weevils weren't  :lol:

*

Snow

  • Experienced Member
  • ***
  • 216
Re: Seed saving: deep freeze?
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2022, 19:56 »
Would be good to test it on seeds that don't keep well, like parsnip, carrot and alliums. Tomato seeds keep well for over a decade normally!


xx
seed saving

Started by jambop on Grow Your Own

10 Replies
4664 Views
Last post July 19, 2015, 11:52
by Bohobumble
xx
Saving Pea Seed.

Started by arh on Grow Your Own

4 Replies
2170 Views
Last post June 24, 2017, 07:44
by arh
xx
Seed Saving

Started by LotuSeed on Grow Your Own

14 Replies
4835 Views
Last post April 10, 2015, 16:00
by LotuSeed
xx
Saving seed

Started by Alex 98 on Grow Your Own

1 Replies
1634 Views
Last post December 17, 2008, 13:54
by woodburner
 

Page created in 0.454 seconds with 33 queries.

Powered by SMFPacks Social Login Mod
Powered by SMFPacks SEO Pro Mod |