Storing pollen....
 

:hello :waving

I have learned a great deal from all of you but need a bit more detail about storing pollen for my paphs. Alot of people suggest small baggies, etc. However, before I put it in the refrig do I totally seal up the baggie or tighten up a cap on a small container? LOL... I know it's not a breathing entity but want to make sure I do it the right way and not start out by suffocation.

Once again thanks for all consideration and input!
Lisa

You are right, breathing isn't an issue. Rot, mold, and fungus are. You don't want to store anything with a high moisture content in plastic. Pollen, seed, etc. should be dry before long-term storage.

Take a coffee filter or a piece of copy paper and write your info on it. Draw a little circle, and place the pollen in that circle (so you can find it later). Fold it loosely and stick it on a shelf for a week or so, in still dry air. At that point it's probably safe to store in a plastic bag in the fridge.

Thank you so much! Makes alot of sense. Lisa

You can store pollen and/or seed in a sealed vial if you first dessicate it. Get a wide-mouthed jar, put in some water, add CaCl (Damp-Rid) until no more will dissolve, put something in the jar to float or suspend the seed above the liquid, seal, place in a dark place for 12-24 hours, and you have the optimum moisture content in your seed/pollen.

Thank you! I have alot to learn and appreciate your help! Lisa

So do I. Thanks for the tip, maitaman.

Another method for storing pollen & doesn't take up the space is to cut a drinking straw into approx 2" pieces seal the end by heating it with a match or cig.lighter, put the pollen in & sealing the other end the same way. You can write the name with a perm.ink felt pen. The air inside would to some degree prevent the pollen from being crushed.