Viewing post #1330083 by Leftwood

You are viewing a single post made by Leftwood in the thread called Is it ok to plant pine seeds that are floating on water even after 24h?.
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Dec 6, 2016 11:38 AM CST
Name: Rick R.
Minneapolis,MN, USA z4b,Dfb/a
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As a comparison, yes, floaters are less likely to sprout than sinkers. But that doesn't always mean floaters are bad. Especially when ALL are floaters, that might indicate that that is their normal condition.

If it were me, I would let them soak for another day. If you are using tap water and can change to rain, distilled, purified, spring or well water,please do so. Seed absorbs an enormous amount of water (compared to its own weight) and with that it will also absorb the added chemicals and salts in the water. This is generally a good thing, but not with tap water. Then I would use a very sharp knife and cut one in half. If it is solid inside, it is likely good. If it is hollow, it is definitely bad.

It is more likely you will need to extend the cold treatment longer than a month. It depends on the species of seed. Look here:
https://www.nsl.fs.fed.us/nsl_...

Click on "Pinus" if it is a true pine. Cold treatment recommendations start on page 835.

Also notice on page 832, table 7 shows the different flotation liquids used to sort bad seed, depending on which pine species is in question. Different liquids are used because each has a different density. A good seed of a certain species might float in water, but not in ethanol, for instance.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers. - Socrates

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