Canna ~2013~

Harringtons Rule of Thumb: "For each 1% reduction in moisture content storage life is doubled. For each 5C lowering of storage temperature storage life is doubled"

I've come across this before, just looked it up on Google to get an accurate quote. Its always struck me as impressive because a doubling of storage life is pretty significant. I suppose the moisture content is low for seeds to start with, so we are unlikely to be able to lower it, so keeping it "dry" and then reducing storage temperature by 5C (or 10C or 15C) is going to make an impressive difference to storage time - assuming Harrington/s Thumb is a consistent Rule across species

On that basis a "Tupperware box in the fridge" should do a good job.

 

Coming along a treat!
Thx guys

 

You're rolling now Mowgley

 

I must admit to not having ever heard of "Harringtons rule of thumb."

Thing that comes to mind regarding doubling storage life is, yes its impressive on seed that lasts for a year or two anyway, but on something that maybe only viable for a couple of months anyway, its not that great.
Also bear in mind, when you close that tupperware container at room temperature the relative humidity is quite low, as it cools in the fridge the humidity rises.

Equally every time you remove the lid you add more moisture.

 

Seed banks keep seeds at low temperatures. So there is obviously a lot of sense in Harrington.

However, as Pete says, the problem for us is those that need to be sowed fresh. It would be interesting if Harrington can keep those for a prolonged period.

 

New project. I'm installing an absolute-zero, zero-humidity, seed store. I'll report back in a couple of millions years whether it has worked or not

 

few update and advice



I`ve stupidly try to move them out but they still too delicate and the temperature in the room drop down during the day e lost few plants , so will try to dry them first and slowly move them out the germinator.

 

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2 of my new zealand dont seem to be growing,might loose them but ive not germinated all the seeds thankfully ..must of been gut feeling to save some for later

 

Here you go guys,ive just seen it posted on fb,karcheskys new website
http://www.karcheskycanna.net/
Im off to have a look now

 

All my Canna seedlings are coming on a treat now and the majority are around 6 inches tall so its time to pot them tomorrow for the first time...

 

Nice one bilbo One of my glauca is 9 inch tall most of mine are doing ok also bilbo but it thats cold with no double glazing im having to move them off the window ledges at night..esp tonight with that wind blowing,its reet drafty

 

Well spotted

 

Still email order but at least all the cannas are listed so that helps ..i need to know what can be grown from seed thou being un experienced

 

We're lucky to have double glazing so mine are still ok on the windowsill, recieving plenty of light and some warmth from the limited amount of sun but also from the radiator below them... Just hope the weather improves enough to get them in the greenhouse by the time they get too big for the windowsill usually by late April/early May...

 

Only place I've seen that is on their blog (right hand "pane" under "Canna seeds we offer")
http://growingcannasfromseed.blogspot.co.uk/