Very Easy Sterilisation Method - My Seedlings

[roby]

very good
typically 30 to 60 days, temperature 24 28 ° C

[NatalieS]

It's been 30 days since making up my flasks and using roby's method to sterilise the seed. I haven't had contamination in any of the flasks - very pleased about that! No germination yet, but seeds are meant to germinate between 30-60 days apparently.

[roby]

Do not worry, if you used a maximum time of 5 hours the seed does not die

[Tsuchibuta]

Roby, I have to say kudos for you on modifying the gas fumigation technique for the home hobbyist. I have only just begun experimenting with it but so far it seems very promising. The book you referenced earlier is definitely not worth the price tag unless you are interested in cloning. There is very little in reference to seed sowing in the book it is primarily about cloning and what parts of the plant work best with what media.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by roby

Do not worry, if you used a maximum time of 5 hours the seed does not die

I left them for just under 5 hours (about 4 hours and 45 minutes). I suppose if it doesn't germinate either my medium was bad or the seed was bad. I can't find anywhere in Ireland to purchase the seed growing medium - even Sigma in the UK won't sell to me as a private individual.

[roby]

what is the composition of your medium?


@Tsuchibuta thanks

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

I left them for just under 5 hours (about 4 hours and 45 minutes). I suppose if it doesn't germinate either my medium was bad or the seed was bad. I can't find anywhere in Ireland to purchase the seed growing medium - even Sigma in the UK won't sell to me as a private individual.

You can get seed growing media quite cheaply from the OSP (Orchid Seed Project) in the USA. The media isn't very expensive, and back when I last ordered (2 years ago) shipping to Europe was only $13. So when you figure in the exchange rate it's quite cheap. Aaron is very helpful too, I wasn't sure what sowing and replate media were best for the genus I was sowing.

[NatalieS]

Originally Posted by roby

what is the composition of your medium?

I basically use the recipe that you posted earlier in this thread. Slightly modified though because I couldn't find a balanced 20-20-20 fertiliser so just used about a gram of what I had which was a 30-10-10. Also no NAA (I didn't even know what it was, nevermind where to get it!). I added a little home-made banana powder as well. I even had to make the distilled water myself as none of the pharmacies I've been into stock it anymore and you can't get it at the shop. Ireland can be really frustrating that way!

It would be nice if it does work, but I'm expecting a lot of trial and error before I get it right. Thank you for all your help though - this thread is brilliant!

Camille - thanks for the suggestion! I'm a little worried about the import duties for ordering anything outside of the EU. They have changed the thresholds and I'm not sure what the regulations are anymore so I'll look into it.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

Camille - thanks for the suggestion! I'm a little worried about the import duties for ordering anything outside of the EU. They have changed the thresholds and I'm not sure what the regulations are anymore so I'll look into it.

I'd have to check the box (I still have it somewhere) but I believe that Aaron sent it as a 'gift' (with no invoice or other inside), and so avoiding any issues with import regulations.

[roby]

Natalies here you can find many medium formula homemade

Eden: Homemade orchid sowing media recipes

Obviously the professional work best but ...