Waxing as an alternative to the fridge . . .

[foomar]

Have found that getting older seed to pop is sometimes the easy bit , many stall out at the first true leaves and fade away.

These all emerged from compost four weeks ago and some are stuck.
Started with 45 , 20 popped and 15 left and probably ten will come good.

Bagseed from 1995 ,was wrapped tightly in the papery foil from inside a pack of twenty cigs , back of a drawer.

 

[Old Piney]

Back in the 50,s before ornamental seed were packed in foil envelopes and plastic and not everyone had a fridge , some larger exotics were waxed to preserve them.

Did not have a gas fridge until 1950 and no electric till 1960 so options were more limited then.

My grandfather waxed pea and bean seeds in the 20,s , extending their viability beyond the usual three years maximum , those done in 1939 were near 100% in 1945 saving some varieties that were lost in the war.

Love bits of history like this thanks for sharing .who knows we all might need this info some day

 

[HoodDirt]

seeds can freeze?? I was under the impression that they died when frozen, am I wrong?

 

[foomar]

If they are properly dry when frozen and never allowed to thaw out and refreeze they should be ok.

Have never trusted it myself , used to have many powercuts.