seed germination

[George R Stilwell, Jr.]

Alex,

I think you must have misunderstood the postings. Freezing Arisaema seed
usually kills them.

The discussions have been about getting a second growing season per year
by giving the dormant
tuberlets an artificial 2 to 3 month cold period. The temperature used is
40F (4.4C), no where
near freezing. The -10C you mention in your posting would probably kill
them.

We don't know how cold it has to be, but we know refrigerator
temperature, 40F, works fine if
the tuberlets are kept barely moist. Too much moisture may allow rotting
of the tuberlets, too little can
cause desiccation.

Notice I refer always to tuberlets not seed. This technique is for
growing on, not for germination.
Many of us use the Deno method for germination.

Note also that several species of Arisaema will germinate, grow a
tuberlet and roots, but no shoot or
leaf for the first season. These species need a cold period after
germination to form the shoot.

You will find much more on this subject in the Arisaema-L archives
<http://listserv.surfnet.nl/archives/arisaema-l.html>

Ray
<GRSJr at Juno.com>