Storing seed - what temperature - Orchid Board

s1214215 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 01:42 PM

Hi Everyone

What temperature should I store my orchid seed at? I have been keeping it in a cool cupboard with some silica in a plactic bag to keep it dry.

Today, I was given seed by a friend who keeps it in the fridge crisper.

What is the best temperature? Is this variable with species and will it adversly affect germination

Brett

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 02:37 PM

4 degrees C. This is the temperature seed banks store their seeds in.

RoyalOrchids · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 09:41 AM

I always store mine in the fridge for longer periods of time, but I was recently told by an experienced hybridizer that he never stores his chilled.

I think moisture is much more of an issue. Temp is definitely variable between varieties. Freezing temps could damage deicate phal seeds, but might actually be required for some temperate terrestrials. To be safe, take it case by case. We know that room temp is fine for most, but seedbanks are still learning about resilliance and longevity of the seeds from this HUGE group of plants.

s1214215 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 12:13 PM

Thanks Royal

I was a bit confused by temps!!!! I threw my seed into the crisper this morning, but now I am putting it back in a bottom cupboard. I noted in the crisper I saw a little condensation. Odd as I have silica with the seed.

Another thing is a friend who keeps his seed in the crisper and first suggested I should has had trouble germinating seed like Esmeralda Clarkii/tropicals. I wonder if this is the cause.

I agree though, chilling may be good for some cool growers.

I guess research per species is needed. Maybe, I should look at minimum and maximum temps in the natural environment and experiment around that.

Brett

RoyalOrchids · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s1214215

Maybe, I should look at minimum and maximum temps in the natural environment and experiment around that.

Brett

Sounds reasonable to me. All I know is that tropical seed doesn't need cold temps. So if it could hurt, I'd rather know for sure that there is a benefit to chilling before refridgerating everything. You can't go wrong with the standard cool, dry, dark - just like any other seed. Then it's just a question of how long it will last.