storing corms

[Craig Stubbs]

At 10:46 PM 3/11/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Craig
>
>Your method for storing corms using damp grit is really interesting. As we
>have discussed in the past, having exactly the right amount of moisture seems
>to be the critical thing in not losing corms in the refrigerator.
>
>Are you using the same technique for "cormlets" being given the "artificial
>winter" after the initial germination and growth period? Even if you didn't
>get 100% corm survival, it seems to me that the small corms would be a lot
>easier to find in the grit than in a peat mix.###Jim,Thanks for the
sandwich.I now use this storage for all corms.I store smaller corms by
species in loosely sealed baggies that typically  need only one refresh of
water through a three month fridge storage.The second year(growing
season]corms are stored in plastic pots whose size is dictated by both the
size and number of corms contained therein.I put these in baggies just
loosely sealed of folded over.The smaller corms are much easier to find in
the grit.BTW....a small point but I have been using distilled water rather
than introduce any chemicals to my hibernating corms.#######
>
>The inevitable question: do you think that turface would work as well as
>grit? Or would its moisture retaining feature make rot more likely?## The
granite grit retains just enough water ,for a suprisingly long time.As you
know I am not a fan of turface.I feel it holds too much water and in my
experience has most definitely contributed to rot.#####
>
>What exactly do you put the corms in for refrigeration? Just plain pots? I
>assume not plastic bags, since you rewet the grit when it looks dry. How
>often do you need to add water?###As in my comment above it is rare to have
to add water more tahn twice for the pots and once for the baggies.Although
baggies may seem difficult to water refresh they are great for viewing
moisture content especially important for small corms.##
>
>Sorry about all the details, but I'm anxious to start using the method.###I
am confident you will find it effective and easily monitored..Craig##
>
>Jim
>
>
"Always allow for the changes time will bring"