Well, its that time of the year again. every year i tell myself that i don't want to go thought the process of sprouting seeds and growing them under artificial conditions.
Yesterday, i planted some seeds that i got from pollinating some of my hybrids from last year. i was successful in getting many seed pods. the following is a brief run down on how i do it.
figure 1 is a successful pollination on a hybrid of my old raspberry sorbet, actually three on the same plant. when the pod is at this stage, i cover it with a piece of black panty hose to keep the seeds from scattering.
figure 2 shows the container trays that i grow the seed in.
figure 3 shows the bottom warming mat that i place under a 45 gallon rubbermaid container. this mat is a heavy duty one used in factories to warm the workers feet on cold concrete.
figure 4 shows the amount of seed that i gather from one large pod. use the quarter for size. the pile of seed is about 1/8 inch high.
figure 5 shows the seed trays filled with white sand. its so easy to place and space the black seed on white sand. note the white indent tags.
figure 6 shows the seed tray in the bottom of the tank and the warm water slowly rising over the seeds. you must be cautious as to not disturb the seeds.
figure 7 shows the container with the grow light on it. i use three of the purple type of grow light and its on for 16 hours a day. bottom heat keeps the water at between 80 - 85 degrees F. i also have a stainless aquarium heater for backup.
it usually takes less than 2 weeks for the seeds to sprout. they will remain in the basement until late march when i bring them up to a small greenhouse and a temporary growing tank.
in the past i have just scattered the seeds over a 8 inch azalea pot and then had difficulty separating the roots. with this tray system, i can thin the seedlings to just one per slot and its easy then to transplant.
if you have any questions, i will be glad to answer.
louis
