ABSTRACT
Many ornamental crops are propagated commercially by vegetative means. However, seeds are also used to a limited extent. Research on the storage of flower seeds is scarce predominantly because it is undertaken by flower seed companies and is not published. Grzesik (1993) reported that lowering storage temperature and relative humidity extended seed longev ity considerably in several ornamental species. Storage of low-moisture seeds (4 to 7 percent) at temperatures below 0°C in sealed containers is ideal for longer storage (Bass, 1980). Carpenter, Ostmark, and Cornell (1995) preserved several ornamental seeds at 5, 15, and 25°C and 11 to 75 percent RH. Seed germination decreases with an increase in seed moisture content during storage. Likewise, Benedetto and Tognetti (1985) observed reten tion of high germination in many flower seeds stored under diffuse illumi nation or in darkness.
