Freezing seeds?

[thamnophis]

A couple questions:

1.) Does freezing ruin pepper seeds?
2.) Does light have a negative effect on seeds?

I was also wondering if pH of growing medium makes a big difference?

Thanks again for your help!

Joe

[willard3]

1. Yes
2. Yes

In hydro, Ph has a huge effect.

[thamnophis]

Thanks.

How accurate does pH need to be - I'm using a simple system that relies on "eye-balling" a color match. Are more accurate meters worth investing in?

Have people who purchased the meters that read total dissolved nutrients worth it? (I know these are pretty subjective notions)

I have germinated 15 or so varieties this spring. In only 1 case (pubescens) the seedlings look very week - and the tips of the cotyledon leaves are yellow. Any clue as to what might cause this?

Joe

[bassino]

Freezing does not ruin the seeds if they are dry enough (approx 8% moisture content) for storing in the freezer. Actually storing seeds in freezer can extend their life as coldness slows down the energy consuming processes in seeds.

[Omskakas]

Freezing does not ruin the seeds if they are dry enough (approx 8% moisture content) for storing in the freezer. Actually storing seeds in freezer can extend their life as coldness slows down the energy consuming processes in seeds.

That's true. Seedbanks usually freeze their seeds to extend their viability from few years (room temperature) to some decades.

[thamnophis]

How does one determine 8% moisture content?

[Makee]

To test it, you can take one seed in your hand and try to bend it (presuming that it aint your only seed of that kind ). If it breaks completely and feels like totally dry then it should be dry enough to be preserved

[Aji Inferno]

It is also true that "normal" (undried) seeds, from fresh plants, will often germinate very badly after freezing... Tried it, been there, done that.