Conditions for a germination\ chamber box

[maxtboshoff]

Hi good day all! I am building a germination box out of an old fridge! I would please like some suggestions as to the perfect conditions inside the box. Do I need lighting inside or is the thermostat element sufficient as the only source of heating. I am using a old polystyrene box used to germinate eggs. So I did germinate some washingtonia robusta inside it, but do you also need lighting when germinating the palm seed? Thank you

[Kennybenjamin]

Hi there, I germinate many many seeds in an old fridge. A thermostat keeps the temperature at 30 degrees celsius, when it drops below that a lightbulb is automatically switched on and the temperature rises again. I think you will find that the temp is more important than the light.

All species require different conditions but I have good success with seeds in sealed containers and vermiculite in the fridge under thermostat control. Once they sprout and I deem they are ready I individually repot them. I try to time this so it occurs early spring, that way once they have germinated and been potted they come out of the fridge and something else goes in. I would have done around 80 species this way.... Germinating is easy ( with fresh seed ), keeping the seedlings alive is another story all together?????

Good luck

Btw I think this thread might be in the wrong forum?? Our great Mr Mod might move it for you....

[maxtboshoff]

Thank you kenny!I will do that for now I want to grow washingtonia queen king and phoenix palms. Its al new a great challenge!