Re: TB: CULT: seeds and germination?

Hello Steve,

> I recently acquired some TB seeds.

Did someone give you some seeds?  I've been known to store dried seeds in
the freezer until I was ready to plant in the fall.  Those stored that way
germinated as well as those I've kept otherwise.  In my case, neither way
has been anything to brag about.  I have had some seeds sprout pretty
quickly.  That has made me wonder how much chilling they actually need.
That may depend on the genes they contain.  If your little seedlings look
like iris plants, then you certainly have some sprouting.  I've also kept
some in the fridge and those often began to sprout after about three days
out.  Some didn't and got put back in and there was germination later.  Some
people in California have good germination rates growing them in the milder
parts of the state.  Knowing that has me wondering how much chilling a lot
of iris seeds really need.  I do think they have germination inhibitors that
may have more effect than chilling.  I have 4 year old seeds sprouting in a
pot this year.  None in that pot sprouted at all last year.  Sometimes I've
had more germination the second season from planted seeds than in the first
spring when I was looking for them.  You might try taking another tray out
and see what happens.  As for sunlight or artificial light, my own opinion
is the sooner the better.  Makes for sturdier seedlings.

Donald Eaves
donald@eastland.net
Texas Zone 7b, USA

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