Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 17:08:00 -0500 From: "Mellard, David" <dam7@cdc.gov> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg255$foo@default> Subject: FW: Stratification
The seeds I sent recently to some members on the list were not
stratified. I thought I would post again the email below since I've
gotten questions about stratification.
David
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To: 'CP List'
I thought I would let everyone know how I stratify Sarracenia seed in
case someone is new to stratification.
The basic idea is to incarcerate the seed in a cold, wet environment for
a period.
I place the seed in a small, sealable container, add a few drops of
rainwater, add a couple of sprigs of live sphagnum moss, and then add
enough rainwater so that it looks like there's a slight excess of
moisture. All this is by the touch, feel, and sight method.
I like live sphagnum because it makes me feel that it might keep down
microbes, it absorbs lots of water, and it increases the surface area
for contact with seed. I like rainwater because I feel that it has the
right pH, at least in the beginning. I like extra moisture because it
makes me feel like I'm providing enough moisture to get the right
biochemical reactions going. I like small containers because if makes
me feel like everything in the container is in contact with everything
else.
Last year, I stratified for about 6 months in the refrigerator and got
excellent germination. Based on what I've read this year, though, I
plan to stratify for 6 weeks -- another feeling. If you don't have live
sphagnum, a paper towel might do.
Are you getting nauseating with this feeling stuff. My point is, this
is more art than science or rather it's art based on a small knowledge
of science.
I'm posting this to the list in hopes that other people might share how
they stratify and then you can choose what you feel <gr> will work for
you.
David
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