flasking questions

[seagull]

so my cymb pollination has worked and a few flowers are developing pods, so in a year or so i will need to flask seeds
i have 2 questions
1: do these incubate in the dark since they are terrestrial?
2: do seeds stratify or something?

[billc]

I know nothing about cyms but most orchid seed pods need to be flasked. Some intrepid souls have done it themselves but most use a flasking service.

Bill

[cricketerry]

1. No they do not need to be in the dark to germinate.
2. I'm not sure what you are asking here. Are you asking if the seeds need special treatment (heating/cooling) before being sown?

[Cym Ladye]

In order to get the best germination once the pod has matured (~8 months) it is best to flask them in a sterile media. Most people have this done by a commercial entity.

You can allow them to germinate on the base of an orchid plant or fern as has happened to some of my broken pods which have spread seed all over the benches. But germination is spotty and only a few may sprout this way. By the time they do, you will have forgotten what they are!

I suggest you google orchid flasking on line and learn what the requirements are for sterile germination. Some people have tried doing it on their own but it will take special equipment. Good luck.