Afraid old seeds wont germ/lose genetics

[The Revolution]

I have some old seeds I was able to save from extinction. They're not terribly old, but about 4-5 years old. Ive been waiting for the right moment to start them and do an open pollination on them to preserve the genetics. These seeds are unavailable anywhere else.
I had all intentions of starting them this weekend, but now Im terrified the either wont germinate, or something catastrophic will happen, and I will lose the genetics forever, causing me to slink into a depressed state.. Ive read all types of ways of getting old seeds to germ, but I have none of these chemicals available. I have some superthrive on hand, has anyone used this for germing seeds? Then again, Im afraid this will cause the seeds damage and not allow them to germ lol.
This has kinda been ongoing for a cpl years now, but I think Im going to just go for it. If they germ they germ, if not, they dont.. Its so stressful right now.

 

[Tynehead Tom]

4 or 5 years is not old
I've got seedling and plants going from seeds from 1990 and 1998 that I've started over the past couple months. I had real poor germination but managed okay.

 

[PoweredByLove]

shouldn't have much issue with 5 year old seeds. but you just might. i've used superthrive in the past with seed germination. didn't do a controlled experiment or anything. but if you're gonna use it, less is more. i would go with the 1 drop per gallon suggestion and soak your seeds in that with a tiny amount of peroxide. like 1oz to a gallon.

 

[neongreen]

What I do is soak in a solution of seaweed extract (home made by soaking a handful of seaweed meal in water overnight, and straining through cheesecloth - but superthrive will probably work just as well) and hydrogen peroxide (at about 1-3%). I use small containers/jars that are about 1/3 filled with the solution, to which I add the seeds. I then put those in a water bath (a small bucket) heated with a small aquarium heater once the temp is a steady 78-79 F.

Give them a gentle shake after 6-12 hrs to get them to sink, then plant as usual after 24-48 hrs. Usually I get close to 100% break the soil in 4-10 days with 10+ year old seeds.

 

[amanda88]

I like to soak in aloe vera 20% solution, for a grand start

can't think of any other way right now ...lol

cheers

 

[Harpo]

I just tried to germinate twenty seeds from 2001.
Not stored in the freezer.
Very fertile first couple grows back in the early 2000's.
Scuffed them with sandpaper as per youtube.
No luck.
I like growing with the moon phases.
Waxing moon until May 24th.
I'm going to try again tonight. Starting with scuffing and then using some of the special soaks mentioned above.
Thanks and umgawa!

 

[Chimera]

I'd use autoclaved water & sterile paper towels or filter paper- less is definitely more.

You can add stimulants etc when they pop. Hey in 25 million years of evolution, water got us this far.

2 cents.

-Chimera

 

[Tynehead Tom]

autoclaved?
can you elaborate? I just happen to have such equipment on hand....a negative pressure composite curing oven , same as an autoclave but very modern and plc controlled.
I've got a pack of 30 or so KimoxP afghani from the late 80's early 90's I'd like to do everything possible to up my chances.

 

[The Revolution]

I appreciate it guys. I suppose 4-5 years isnt very old but some of the old seeds are very limited, and havent been stored in optimal conditions. I think I will most likely try just a few with each attempt. Thanks for the sterile tip chi, I understand these seeds may take longer to germ than some other fresh seeds, and preventing the growth of molds or algaes is necessary.

 

[Morphote]

I'd use autoclaved water & sterile paper towels or filter paper- less is definitely more.

You can add stimulants etc when they pop. Hey in 25 million years of evolution, water got us this far.

2 cents.

-Chimera

You believe in the theory of evolution? Still waiting for my wings.

M.