Nerines (and Haemanthus) - seed sowing
Rodger Whitlock (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:

Paul Tyerman then asked:

"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."