Floating/sinking Ricinus seeds

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weve

Floating/sinking Ricinus seeds

Post by weve »

Edit Apologies, :oops: After searching found there is already a recent thread about this (Must have somehow missed it!) Its here:
http://www.hardytropicals.co.uk/forum/v ... 45&start=0

Hi
Got round to my ricinus seeds (giant green, i think) harvested in early Nov.

Soaked them whilst the M.P. compost (brought in from outside) warmed up a bit. Initially they all floated, then after a few hours about 60% had sunk. The others never sank even after 24 hours, altho' they looked exactly the same

Wondering, is this an indication of viability?, and if so, which way round? I planted the floating ones seperately to see if there would be any difference in germination, but now, stupidly :oops:, i've got them mixed up (Duh!).

If it does make a difference, it's a good method of sorting the "wheat from the chaff", especially as i have many more ricinus seeds to plant.

just wondering................. icon_scratch

weve
derrick

Re: Floating/sinking Ricinus seeds

Post by derrick »

I think i planted march aprill last year .No ricinus seeds this year as i have a two year old .I have 1 ricinus tree inside conserv from 2008 i just cut it .Dont no about the floating bit with seeds .
Adrian

Re: Floating/sinking Ricinus seeds

Post by Adrian »

I dont pre soak Ricinus but in general a sinking seed is a good sign, dont discard floaters but again in general they are usually the failures.
Adrian

Re: Floating/sinking Ricinus seeds

Post by Adrian »

What I meant by that is why not sow them anyway, what do you have to lose?
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