Nerines (and Haemanthus) - seed sowing

Rodger Whitlock totototo@mail.pacificcoast.net
Tue, 13 May 2003 04:45:27 PDT
[I've rearranged the quoted material since the attributions were 
getting tangled up.]

Doug Westfall first wrote:
 
> I recommend "washing" them for about 20 min. in a mild solution
> of chlorox after they have been "peeled."

Paul Tyerman then asked:

> What exactly is Chlorox and what does it do?

"Chlorox" is an American brand name for a 5.25% sodium hypochlorite 
solution sold as laundry bleach, disinfectant, and cleanser. No soap 
or detergent in it, but there may be some scent to mask the rather 
repugnant odor. In Canada, we get the same (or a very similar) 
product under the name "Javex", though "Chlorox" is also sold here. I 
imagine that a similar product is available in most countries.

A dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite (considerably more dilute 
that 5.25%) is a pretty good mild disinfectant. I don't think 
anything can build up a resistance to it, unlike the antibacterials 
added to so many products these days. And it's effective against 
virtually all microorganisms, both bacteria and fungi.

Doug might want to try the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution sold in
drugstores as a seed sterilant. My guess is that it's less likely
than sodium hypochlorite to damage the seed because it's not as 
powerful an oxidant.

-- 
Rodger Whitlock
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
"To co-work is human,
to cow-ork, bovine."


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