Quote:
I have found that seeds I have fermented and saved generally germinate better than seeds purchased or traded. I'm not quite sure why this is but it may have to do with temperatures during transport or pressures applied to seeds by postal services or whatever.
|
I agree with Retiree. And sometimes if seeds have been re-traded and shipped more than once, I suspect effects may cumulate.
I keep my seeds at room temperature, though generally our basement stays cool and does not get much above the mid-70's even in summer. Last year, I had some old seeds from commercial sources that I decided I better re-grow before they expired. The 1884 Heirloom seeds were 10 years old, Orange Strawberry were 9 years old, Jaune Flammee were 7 years old. I oversowed, around 20 seeds each, but only needed a couple of plants. Well, I had amazing germination from those old seeds, up around 80-90 % . I take no credit for any expertise on my part, because quite often I experience what appears to be unexplained randomness in whether a particular variety germinates well or not.