Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Another Method of Getting Old Seed to Sprout

Robin has a very interesting tip about germinating old seed using bleach, something I have yet to try.

Now that you've seen my seed stash, you can understand why I am always looking for ways to germinate old seed.  Over the years I have picked up some tips and have had good success.

1,  I soak the seeds in a very weak fertilizer solution that is high in nitrates. They are soaked no longer than 12 hours.  the nitrates help to start the process of breaking down the seed coat.  I don't soak seed that is smaller than carrot seed.

2.  The coffee filters that I place them on are dipped into a solution of week tea with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.  The tea provides some protection from fungus, and the hydrogen peroxide adds some oxygen to aid germination.

3.  The filters are then placed into a small plastic bag and then placed in warm location.

4.  Once I see the first sign of roots, those seeds are planted and the rest checked twice per day.

5.  Some seeds last much longer than others.  I am still getting good germination from tomato seed purchased in 1999.

I use 9oz styrofaom cups and add 3 to 4 drops of a liquid fertilizer for the initial soaking.  When the filters are soaked I use the same 9oz cup and add a weal tea solution with 5 to 6 drops of hydrogen peroxide.

This method is not fool proof, but I am able to germinate a good amount of seed between 5 and 10 years old. 

This year I've had success with 6 year old spinach, 7 year old Swiss chard and pea and 8 year old beet as well as 13 year old tomato seed.  My seeds are kept in a cool basement room, no special conditions.

If you have some old seed that you want to still grow give this method or Robin's method a try.  I'm going to give Robin's method a try!

7 comments:

  1. Ed, I'm going to copy your method. It's always good to know more then one way to skin a cat!

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    1. Robin, that's why I was happy to see your post. I have some very stubborn and some very old seed I'm going to try your method on.

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  2. Germination off of 13 year old tomato seeds, that is quite impressive!

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    1. Kris, tomato seeds can last a very long time. these are seeds I got from the Seed Savers Exchange in 1999.

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  3. Thank you so much for this wonderful post. I am going to print it out. I have a lot of seeds that are about 5 years old that I am going to try this on. I can not wait to see what sprouts!

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    1. Christy, you should have no problems with 5 year old seed. I find I still get good germination with almost everything at that age.

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  4. Wow great suggestions. I have quite a collection of older seed. Can't wait to try this out.

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