Update: I put a few seeds (~3) in each ice cube tray with some damp peat moss. I covered with a plastic bag and added a damp paper towel inside. I’m setting it by a window to warm stratify/ germinate a long with some ground cherry seeds. Some of the seeds had the acid treatment and others didn’t. I have the label so I can get a rough idea for next time. All seeds were wet/damp after retrieval. This is for tummel berry (big hooked seeds), balloon berry (tiny seeds) and dewberry (sesame seed size).
1/3 of the non cold stratified ground cherries germinated. This time I put like 6 in each ice cube tray and we’ll see if it’s more or less successful.
Also pro tip, keep baking or washing soda if working with acid. It neutralizes it with minimal issues.
My plan for natural germination is on track. I am hoping to cross Joan J with Niwot and Anne. I may also try to cross Triple Crown with Prime-Ark Traveller.
The little guy has become very enthusiastic about raspberries and blackberries. Not so much about other fruits. I think he loves the juice and seeds. I know he swallows them, but he also holds them in his beak and chews at it like bubblegum. You can hear the scraping on the seed, but he does not crack them.
I got most of the ones on that list from ARS-GRIN, and a few from the sources Kris mentioned.
My last attempt was the one I posted here, R. glaucus with peroxide. Didn’t work for me, and I’m still a bit scared of the acid. The bicarbonate tip was well appreciated.
This was paused (along with most of my other projects) due to some long term construction work at home. To be continued!
