After fermentation? - Page 2

ContainerTed · September 10, 2015

I think Clara and I are on the same page. If I'm busy, it's small clumps. If I have the time, then it's one seed and I use a bamboo skewer to do the separating. And FarmerShawn and I are close on one point. After the final rinse, my seeds are in the strainer and wet. I use a paper towell or clean dish cloth to wick away as much water as I can. I will even just set the strainer on a dish cloth (with the contact point being where the seeds are) for a few minutes and I've noted that the water continues to be wicked away.

If I end up with totally dry seeds that are still in small clumps, I place them on my left hand with the seeds and clumps on my fingers. Then I place my right fingers over my left fingers but 90 degrees rotated (my fingers making "X's"). With gentle pressure, I can then "rub" the clumps to break them up. I angle my fingertips down toward a paper plate which catches the falling seeds as the clumps break up.

This doesn't get every single clump completely separated into single seeds, but it gets most of them and the few that are left are usually only 2 to 3 seeds. I deal with these when it's time to use them.

lexxluthor · September 10, 2015

Thanks for all the help here its greatly appreciated. I tried the canning jar trick with the lid for fermentation and it worked like a charm, no bugs or smell. Tried 4 seeds and all four germinated. Next year hopefully as many maters as peppers.

Thanks lexx

sdambr · September 10, 2015

I spread them to a single layer on a coffee filter with a plastic spoon or spatula. Once the dry a few hours (or next morning) I loosen them all up with my fingers to dry longer. I have not been having any trouble with them sticking to filter or each other afterwards.

ginger2778 · September 10, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdambr

I spread them to a single layer on a coffee filter with a plastic spoon or spatula. Once the dry a few hours (or next morning) I loosen them all up with my fingers to dry longer. I have not been having any trouble with them sticking to filter or each other afterwards.

To a "T"
That is exactly what I do too.

barefootgardener · September 10, 2015

I ferment seeds in small styrofoam cups with the names written on the side of cup , of each variety. After fermenting I add a bit of water to each cup and swirl around to get any extra gel off. I dump the seeds in a small strainer and rinse very well with cool water. I let them drain a bit and gently press out any extra moisture with a paper towel. While the seeds are draining, I rinse, clean and dry out the cup they were in. Next I pour the seeds back in the cup and gently spread seeds up around the sides and bottom in small clumps. 24 hours later I break them up by gently rubbing with my fore fingers and let sit till dry. Then I gently rub any reamaining seeds that are attached to each other. They come apart easy. They do not stick to the styrofoam.

Ginny.

September 10, 2015	#16
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	I think Clara and I are on the same page. If I'm busy, it's small clumps. If I have the time, then it's one seed and I use a bamboo skewer to do the separating. And FarmerShawn and I are close on one point. After the final rinse, my seeds are in the strainer and wet. I use a paper towell or clean dish cloth to wick away as much water as I can. I will even just set the strainer on a dish cloth (with the contact point being where the seeds are) for a few minutes and I've noted that the water continues to be wicked away. If I end up with totally dry seeds that are still in small clumps, I place them on my left hand with the seeds and clumps on my fingers. Then I place my right fingers over my left fingers but 90 degrees rotated (my fingers making "X's"). With gentle pressure, I can then "rub" the clumps to break them up. I angle my fingertips down toward a paper plate which catches the falling seeds as the clumps break up. This doesn't get every single clump completely separated into single seeds, but it gets most of them and the few that are left are usually only 2 to 3 seeds. I deal with these when it's time to use them. __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

September 10, 2015	#17
lexxluthor Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: New York Posts: 156	Thanks for all the help here its greatly appreciated. I tried the canning jar trick with the lid for fermentation and it worked like a charm, no bugs or smell. Tried 4 seeds and all four germinated. Next year hopefully as many maters as peppers. Thanks lexx

September 10, 2015	#18
sdambr Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 421	I spread them to a single layer on a coffee filter with a plastic spoon or spatula. Once the dry a few hours (or next morning) I loosen them all up with my fingers to dry longer. I have not been having any trouble with them sticking to filter or each other afterwards.

September 10, 2015	#20
barefootgardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan Zone 4b Posts: 1,291	I ferment seeds in small styrofoam cups with the names written on the side of cup , of each variety. After fermenting I add a bit of water to each cup and swirl around to get any extra gel off. I dump the seeds in a small strainer and rinse very well with cool water. I let them drain a bit and gently press out any extra moisture with a paper towel. While the seeds are draining, I rinse, clean and dry out the cup they were in. Next I pour the seeds back in the cup and gently spread seeds up around the sides and bottom in small clumps. 24 hours later I break them up by gently rubbing with my fore fingers and let sit till dry. Then I gently rub any reamaining seeds that are attached to each other. They come apart easy. They do not stick to the styrofoam. Ginny.