Recommendations for flasking labs?

[Orchid Whisperer]

I am in the middle of my own flask-at-home adventure, which is going reasonably well.

I have another pod maturing, Cattleya cross that I made back in March, and will probably want to have some of the seed professionally flasked as well as flasking some at home. I intend to go dry seed instead of green seed.

Anyone have recommendations and contact information for a flasking lab? Since I am in the USA, I want to work with a USA lab; likely easier in terms of shipping, paperwork and so on.

Bonus points for any lab that can work with me on the following issues:

1. Will work with dry (fully mature) seed rather than green pod.

2. Will limit daughter flask production to the number of daughter flasks I request (will not save any seedlings for their own use if I request it). I have seen one lab online that apparently will work with you only if you are willing to share your seedlings with them - that would be a "no".

3. This one may be unusual: Willing to send me any unopened mother flasks from my cross that they do not need to make daughter flasks.

4. Will return, or destroy, any unused seed.

Any advice appreciated - thanks!

[WhiteRabbit]

[lotis146]

I can't really answer your question as I have yet to have my first pod mature but OrchidAreFun put me on to Orchid Origins. I'm surprised they haven't mentioned it yet as I think they're pretty happy with their services.

I would like to ask him such questions myself for when the time comes and my pods are mature. Hopefully some more people chime in soon!

[MattWoelfsen]

Check out http://www.troymeyers.com

I friend of mine used them to do a flask for a Phalaenopsis he got to pod. He had a very good experience with them. I have bought a couple of plants "donated" by clients of the lab--I think that is how they recoup their expenses or profit?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Thanks Matt!

I have seen the Troy Meyers site before, and appreciate hearing about your friend's experience, as I don't know anyone personally that has worked with him. I would probably use the pay service for hybridizers, as I do want control of what happens with my seeds and seedlings. I may need to e-mail him regarding the other terms I indicated in my original post.

---------- Post added at 11:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:29 AM ----------

Thanks lotis146 (and orchidsarefun)! I will check out Orchid Origins as well.

[Fairorchids]

I have purchased one flask from Troy Meyers (not my own seed). It arrived deflasked. Seedlings were clean and in good condition, but somewhat smaller than what I have received from other labs.

My original lab closed, so I am using Mrs. Root now. I have not received any flasks from them yet.