The Tropical Fruit Forum

Citrus => Cold Hardy Citrus => Topic started by: Citradia on December 10, 2017, 06:08:56 PM

Title: Ichang lemon seeds in refrigerator.
Post by: Citradia on December 10, 2017, 06:08:56 PM
Can I put some of my seeds in wet paper towels and put in ziplock bag in refrigerator and then plant seeds outside in spring?
Title: Re: Ichang lemon seeds in refrigerator.
Post by: Millet on December 10, 2017, 09:06:48 PM
Citradia, don't use damp paper. Here is how commercial citrus seed suppliers treat and store their seed.  Thoroughly wash the seed, then the washed seed is surface sterilized with 125-F water for 10 minutes, dipped in 1% 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8-HQC fungicide), air-dried on screens in the shade, and packaged in plastic bags. When storing, it is important to leave these storage bags open initially until the seed equilibrate with the refrigeration temperature.  If the bags are closed before refrigeration, the undissipated heat and humidity may generate condensation inside the bags, which promotes fungal pathogens. Seed can be stored  at 40-F for as long as 6 months with little loss of viability.  Seed stored at room temperature looses viability quickly.   8-HQC might be difficult to find, but you can use the common Daconil fungicide which you should be able to find at any good nursery,
Title: Re: Ichang lemon seeds in refrigerator.
Post by: SoCal2warm on December 11, 2017, 12:55:05 AM
I don't think citrus seeds generally last long in the refrigerator, maybe about 2 months. (inside sealed plastic bag) The paper towel should not be wet but it should be just moist enough to prevent the seeds from drying out. Scrubbing them and dipping in a dilute solution of bleach will help prevent mold growing on them later.
Title: Re: Ichang lemon seeds in refrigerator.
Post by: Millet on December 11, 2017, 01:03:00 AM
Well then SoCal2warm, your thinking is 100 percent opposite of what is written in the University of California's "Citrus Production Manual" ..It is a fantastic manual, you should buy the book.
Title: Re: Ichang lemon seeds in refrigerator.
Post by: Citradia on December 11, 2017, 07:28:19 PM
Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Ichang lemon seeds in refrigerator.
Post by: Millet on December 11, 2017, 08:30:41 PM
Citradia, whatever fungicide you use , just be sure it is the dry powder type.