Seed fermenting question

[Groundhog]

When fermenting my seeds I got the expected light grey mat on most of them but two jars developed an almost black mat. Will they be ok or do I need to dump them and start another batch?

BTW, the two I spoke of were Paul Robeson and Box Car Willie if it makes a difference.

[MissS]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

When fermenting my seeds I got the expected light grey mat on most of them but two jars developed an almost black mat. Will they be ok or do I need to dump them and start another batch?

BTW, the two I spoke of were Paul Robeson and Box Car Willie if it makes a difference.

They should be just fine. Just process them as usual. If you are concerned you can always do a germination test on them.

[Tormato]

That pudding skin can be anywhere from almost white to black, and the seeds will be fine.

[kchd..]

Originally Posted by Tormato

That pudding skin can be anywhere from almost white to black, and the seeds will be fine.

Hmph. It doesn't taste like pudding.

I've been drying my seeds for week(s) in the A/C. Anyone have a good idea of minimum drying time before packing seeds up? I don't want to rush things, but the longer they sit out drying, unsecured, the more chance there is for catastrophe...

[Groundhog]

Thanks. I will do a germination test on them though

[MissS]

I judge the length of time by how humid the air is. I usually dry mine for 10 days to 2 weeks but I do not know what others consider a normal amount of time for drying is so this is a very good question.

[ginger2778]

I only dry for 2-3 days, then into the little ziplock baggy they go.
Has anyone reading this ever gotten moldy or similar bad seeds from me?

[MissS]

Originally Posted by ginger2778

I only dry for 2-3 days, then into the little ziplock baggy they go.
Has anyone reading this ever gotten moldy or similar bad seeds from me?

Wow, that's good to know. I have gotten seeds from you and they have been just fine. I guess that I don't need to be leaving the seeds all around to dry and do not need so many paper plates.

[Gardeneer]

Originally Posted by ginger2778

I only dry for 2-3 days, then into the little ziplock baggy they go.
Has anyone reading this ever gotten moldy or similar bad seeds from me?

I think also that 2-3 days should be enough in an air conditioned room.
If the seeds are well fermented and the gel sack has come off , they will dry real fast.
I processed a small batch an hour ago after 6 days of fermenting. Now the seeds are on coffee filter.
In 3 days they should be dry enough . I also store in small plastic zip bags.

[tash11]

Originally Posted by kchd..

Hmph. It doesn't taste like pudding.

I've been drying my seeds for week(s) in the A/C. Anyone have a good idea of minimum drying time before packing seeds up? I don't want to rush things, but the longer they sit out drying, unsecured, the more chance there is for catastrophe...

I am both paranoid and lazy. I dry mine on labeled paper towels (I don't have a problem with sticking if they were well cleaned first) and when the towel looks dry (2 days ish?) I fold or burrito roll the whole thing up into a little packet, rewrite the name and year on the outside and stuff it in a box. Then when I am ready to pack up for trade or when I have time to organize in the depths of winter I take out one packet at a time and bag up. I used to just leave them in the towels until planting or trade time, but now I keep seed in a book (like for trading cards) and the towels don't fit.

Save

[kchd..]

Originally Posted by ginger2778

I only dry for 2-3 days, then into the little ziplock baggy they go.

Has anyone reading this ever gotten moldy or similar bad seeds from me?

All the seeds I got from you were in great shape! Added bonus that you have at least as much humidity as me
I feel better now. Lol

[kchd..]

Originally Posted by MissS

I judge the length of time by how humid the air is. I usually dry mine for 10 days to 2 weeks but I do not know what others consider a normal amount of time for drying is so this is a very good question.

Good to know! Thanks, MissS. If I'm in doubt, I'll use paper seed envelopes for extra "breathability."

[Father'sDaughter]

I always get a blue-ish/black "pudding skin," and the seeds germinate just fine. It probably has to do with whatever is naturally present in your environment.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by Father'sDaughter

I always get a blue-ish/black "pudding skin," and the seeds germinate just fine. It probably has to do with whatever is naturally present in your environment.

That's what puzzled me. I had 5 jars sitting side by side and only the two got the black funk.

[kchd..]

Regarding paper plates, I line the center of mine with parchment paper taped at the edges. Once dry, the seeds slide right off. Like butter!