Variation on a theme

We have talked about methods of getting seeds to germinate. so here's another. This is really only a variation on the theme of putting seeds on wet kitchen roll and sealing in a polybag. In this case I put some water absorbant gel crystals in a small container and added water. Then just placed some seeds (Salvia patens) on top, sprayed with Cheshunt compound and sealed in a plastic bag. 10 days later ....



This reason for doing this is if you have a tiny amount of very precious seed, and don't want to leave anything to chance. There is no compost - so that variability is removed. You can get mould in bags of compost, and I lost a couple of trays of seeds to that recently. Spraying with Cheshunt compound is added protection against any airborne mould. The seed has access to oxygen which is essential and also controlled access to water - it should never be too wet. If the container is in a polybag the moisture will held in.

Its easy to see when they have germinated, at which point you pick them up with tweezers and pot them up in the normal way. The tiny roots can't cling to anything, so you are less likely to damage them than if they were germinated on wet paper. And any gel retained by the roots can only help in the first few days after potting up.

 

Nice one Peter. Still have contacts to get the sterile gel so must try it.

 

You have got to wear your mask and gown John. We don't want any contamination. :D

Which leads on to the subject of micropropagation at home, it is possible? and are there any simple instructions around?

 

Have used the method on brug. seeds damp kitchen roll in a sealock bag, don't bother now use the conventional method.

 

I've found the damp kitchen paper very successful but I hadn't thought of swellgel. I shall definitely give that a go (perhaps with the salvia patens you sent me, Pete, if the current sowing fails because it has snowed and they are in the greenhouse which isn't heated).

 

Tiarella, try the Salvia patens (if you have any left) inside the house on something damp. Salvias do like some heat to germinate, and the greenhouse might be a bit cold.

 

I'll give them another go as you suggest.

 

like the gel idea,will try it,will be nice to see what is happening