I had a thought while I was cleaning DD's room the other day. She has these cotton make-up pads and they looked perfect for germinating seeds. I had some seeds soaking in various chemicals so I decided to try a few. I rinsed the seeds and wet the cotton pads with distilled water. I then put seeds between them and put in a mini green house on the heat mat. I figured I would let them sprout and then plant them and see if this speeds up the germination, sort of like when someone mentioned taping them to their body to get them to sprout. I really need to get another hobby, lol.
Another experiment
Keep up your experimenting Cala.You just may make growing Brugs a whole lot faster and easier for all of us.
Cala what type of chemicals would you soak seeds in?
I bought some cloning solution when I ordered the oasis cubes. I added a bit to the water I had the pod cuttings in. It seems like it works... the water stayed nice and clear and I had roots on the CG cuttings in a matter of days. I haven't tried the oasis yet.
Poppysue, what were the ingredients in the solution? Sounds like it would be something you could "experiment" with.
I soaked the seeds in all kinds of things, including the coke I spilled on them!! I used GA, IBA, NAA, various green house chemicals, caffeine, a combination of plant hormones and plain water. I soaked some in alcohol and had some witch hazel so used it too!! It's funny how the "slime" that forms on the seeds is different consistency with the different chemicals. Some seeds it barely made any "slime" others it was like jello consistency.
how long are you planning to soak before planting?
Let's see ... it says it's derived from ammonium phosphate, potassium nitrate, "plus other selected ingredients".
Cala - I have a question about GA3 you might know. How long does the stuff keep for? I bought a little bottle last year ... in a liquid form. Do you think it's still good? It's been in a cupboard. I've used it on some datura seeds. The seeds grew a yucky gray looking mold - but I am getting some sprouts from them. They look awful but the seeds themslves are still solid - not mushy and rotten.
Poppysue most chemicals as long as they aren't exposed to extreme temperatures or mixed with water, keep for a couple of years. I think the GA will still be fine, at least I hope so because I bought mine last year too.