Frozen Seed
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- Posts: 417
- Joined: August 7th, 2012, 11:16 am
- Location: OKC, OK
- Grass Type: Front Yard: KBG blend. Back Bewitched/Nuglade
- Lawn Size: 5000-10000
- Level: Experienced
Frozen Seed
Starting to think about overseeding. I ordered some grass seed (KBG blend) last year and my leftovers went straight into the freezer for safe keeping. Should I take the seed out early before putting it down in the yard this year? I don't know if it needs to slowly heat back up and get ready or just applied. Thanks in advance.
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- Posts: 3871
- Joined: January 3rd, 2009, 2:28 am
- Location: Utah (Wasatch Front)
- Grass Type: Western, Streambank, Crested wheatgrass in front (with blue grama added in the heckstrips), sheep fescue in back; strawberry clovetr in both
- Lawn Size: 3000-5000
- Level: Experienced
Re: Frozen Seed
It wouldn't hurt, but I don't think it's necessary. I store seed in the freezer and don't thaw before spreading it.
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- Posts: 645
- Joined: May 7th, 2018, 3:31 pm
- Location: Southern CT (6b)
- Grass Type: PR/FF/KBG
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Re: Frozen Seed
What are the advantages of freezing seed? I don't have an extra freezer to do so. I just leave it in my hot/cold (summer/winter) garage. Should I store it somewhere else? I'm ok with it just losing some potency over time if that's the worst that happens.
- andy10917
- Posts: 29739
- Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
- Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
- Grass Type: Emblem KBG (Front); Blueberry KBG Monostand (Back)
- Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
- Level: Advanced
Re: Frozen Seed
A cool basement is acceptable.
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- Posts: 645
- Joined: May 7th, 2018, 3:31 pm
- Location: Southern CT (6b)
- Grass Type: PR/FF/KBG
- Lawn Size: 10000-20000
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Frozen Seed
Thank you.
Also, does it make any sense to dump it from the bag it came in (in the case of a big 50 lb bag) into a storage bin or homedepot buckets with lids, or something like that? Or just close up the bag as best I can and leave it?
Also, does it make any sense to dump it from the bag it came in (in the case of a big 50 lb bag) into a storage bin or homedepot buckets with lids, or something like that? Or just close up the bag as best I can and leave it?
- andy10917
- Posts: 29739
- Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
- Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
- Grass Type: Emblem KBG (Front); Blueberry KBG Monostand (Back)
- Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
- Level: Advanced
Re: Frozen Seed
The "Rubbermaid" containers with lids are great for storage.
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- Posts: 645
- Joined: May 7th, 2018, 3:31 pm
- Location: Southern CT (6b)
- Grass Type: PR/FF/KBG
- Lawn Size: 10000-20000
- Level: Some Experience
Re: Frozen Seed
Great, thanks again!
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- Posts: 417
- Joined: August 7th, 2012, 11:16 am
- Location: OKC, OK
- Grass Type: Front Yard: KBG blend. Back Bewitched/Nuglade
- Lawn Size: 5000-10000
- Level: Experienced
Re: Frozen Seed
For some weird reason, I'm picturing Andy staring at a 30 gallon rubbermaid container full of Emblem seed in his basement casually smiling to himself.
- andy10917
- Posts: 29739
- Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
- Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
- Grass Type: Emblem KBG (Front); Blueberry KBG Monostand (Back)
- Lawn Size: 1 acre-2 acre
- Level: Advanced
Re: Frozen Seed
Oh, but don't I wish it were "Emblem". Now, I didn't say that there was no "Blueberry" or "Bewitched" down there, did I...
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- Posts: 3871
- Joined: January 3rd, 2009, 2:28 am
- Location: Utah (Wasatch Front)
- Grass Type: Western, Streambank, Crested wheatgrass in front (with blue grama added in the heckstrips), sheep fescue in back; strawberry clovetr in both
- Lawn Size: 3000-5000
- Level: Experienced
Re: Frozen Seed
This doesn't apply to most seed, but since I plant mostly native grasses, there's an advantage to freezing (and thawing, then refreezing) seeds for me that probably doesn't help others.
Native grass seeds often have higher germination rates when they undergo refrigerated freeze/ thaw cycles. They naturally suppress germination for a certain percentage of seeds so that seeds can germinate when conditions are best. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles can trick more seeds into germinating in a given year.
I don't think this approach helps more traditional turf grass seeds.
Native grass seeds often have higher germination rates when they undergo refrigerated freeze/ thaw cycles. They naturally suppress germination for a certain percentage of seeds so that seeds can germinate when conditions are best. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles can trick more seeds into germinating in a given year.
I don't think this approach helps more traditional turf grass seeds.
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