Fresh Citrus Seeds

I never let my fresh citrus seeds dry. But I do wash and clean them before placing them in a wet paper towel, and plastic bag.

Than I place them in the frig. I prefer the butter door. One can use the crisper also. ( don't let's freeze)

When planting time comes I use a Seed Starter Mix. " This year's container's are RootTrapper". Soak the seed's over night. And don't plant the seeds that are floating Keep warm.

I usually soak my fresh seeds in a solution of 3% h2o2 and water before placing in a damp paper towel and into the crisper. The butter door is a better idea if your crispers are prone to freezing as suggested above.
The h2o2 acts the same as a fungicide to ward off mold when in cool storage.
Andi

H2O2 is simply the scientific name for Hydrogen Peroxide.

I have noticed from experience that if you CAREFULLY remove the seed coat they will germinate much faster. This is with fresh seeds and I have no experience with dried ones that one would receive through mail order.
Andi

I don't mean to be critical, but Hydrogen Peroxide is the scientific name, H2O2 is the chemical formula.

Newton. No problem. Thank You for the clarification.

I take the seed from the fruit and wash them thoroughly. The last washing isabout 125 degrees for 5 minutes. Then they are air dried under a fan in the shade until they are dry to the touch. Then they are planted immediately and some are stored in the refrigerator in zip lok bags or in a glass jars. Several years ago The last washing, soaking, would be in 8 hydroxyquinoline sulfate.

Budding man interesting that your last soaking is in 8-HQS. Your the only other person that I have noticed that does so. My last seed soaking is in the citrate form 8-HOC (8-hydroxquinolineycitrate). I have long realized that the bacteriostat soaking has prevented many problems after planting.

Ditto...I agree with the benefits of using some form of fungicide/fungistat on your seeds. The aforementioned recommendations are worth doing. Without a doubt, FRESH seed is a major factor in successful germination. I can ususally get germination (with heat) in 10 to 14 days, with fresh citrus seed. Sometimes during the coldest/darkest days of winter I'll need a 'plant fix' and I'll break down and order some exotic citrus seeds from the well known, California seed house. I've never had more than meager germination, sometimes none at all from their seeds. In talking to other forum members..their success (with that supplier) has been very poor too. Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that despite your most careful TLC, seed treatment and sprouting efforts...if you're using old, poor quality seed no amount of 'grower magic' can overcome that factor. A good friend and fellow Colorado citrus grower/collector and I are moving toward heavier 'culling' of the seedlings that do pop. Selecting and keeping only the fastest germinating, strongest seedlings and tossing the 'runts' provides superior seedlings and requires less space...waiting for all the seeds to germinate. Of course, if you're growing something really rare and trick that may justify waiting long periods of time, hoping all seeds will grow.

Hello, Anyone have Best methods for removing the seed coat? I typically just slice the top and pry apart with my finger nails.