Re: Hybridizing/Moving
- Subject: Re: [IGSROBIN] Hybridizing/Moving
- From: m* g*
- Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 19:02:40 -0700
>Maria,>
(snip)
>When you start the seeds, do you cut off the tip? Do you start them on
>paper, or directly in potting mix? Any other hints on seed starting?
>
>Regards,
>
>Sandy Connerley
I cut off the husk at one end and CAREFULLY pop out the seed (easy to play
tiddly-winks and shoot seed across the room.)
Then I shave a slice from the seed coat with a narrow Exacto knife or razor
blade. I soak them for a couple of days in water, then fold them between
damp paper towels and place in a plastic bag. Some of them start sprouting
within 2 or 3 days but there are laggards that take a week or so to
germinate. If any longer, they are sterile.
It's best to use tweezers to handle seeds with rootlets. Fly-tying
tweezers that are sold in fly-fishing stores are ideal because they have a
broad flat tip and there's no danger of squeezing too hard.
Maria
