Perhaps some day I’ll learn to say “pass” on challenges?
In a recent seed exchange at The Tomato Depot, I snagged a dozen Perfekta seeds which were part of the amazing Spud Collection (Bill Malin). These seeds were produced in 1985; I’ve never tried germinating anything that old!
So I’ve basically followed the directions posted at the forum. Some people recommend scarifying old and/or hard seeds, so I nicked 6 of these seeds, opposite the hilum, with a razor blade. Then I soaked seeds for 26 hrs. in a solution of rainwater, Black Tea, about 1/8 teaspoon liquid fish emulsion, and a pinch of dehydrated sea kelp meal (Sea Magic). This was kept at 78-80° F.
I just finished planting these (hopefully) rehydrated seeds in a medium of Sunshine Redi-Earth Professional Growing Mix in freshly cleaned and sterilized pots, again using rainwater. I’ll keep these covered and at around 75-78° until germination. I don’t expect to see any signs of life until at least January 12th. But who knows?
Delectation of Tomatoes, etc. 