Hello.
I ordered flying dragon and sour orange seeds from Trade Winds Fruit at the end of November and got them at the end of December. I planted them the day that I received them, but I did notice that they were all shriveled and dried up before planting them. It's been two weeks now and I got curious to see what was happening so I dug a couple up (If I lost a couple I didn't really care). Anyway, neither had sprouted (yet), but I noticed that both seeds seemed to look hydrated and no longer shriveled up. I also noticed that on each seed, the lower half of the seed had a darker shade to it. Neither had any fugus or mold on it like it was rotting, but I thought maybe the dark shade might mean an impending death of the seed (particularly since I think I got some older seeds). I've read on Trade Winds website that it could take a few months to germinate. Is there still hope or am I just being over anxious to see the "fruits of my labor"?
Thanks,
Phillip

Hi Phillip, don't worry - you are over anxious like me Millet said they can take sometimes up to 2- 3 months! Do you have some bottom heat? That would help. Also, don't keep it wet...just moist.

Philip, I'm not a big fan of Trade Winds seed. I can't remember how many times I heard complaints of either no, or poor germination of their seed. Unless proper, and constant, care is given citrus seed, they quickly lose the ability to germinate. Citrus seed needs to be kept moist, or under refrigeration until planting. Dried citrus seed, which seems to be the problem with your seed, loses its viability quickly. Even seed that has been refrigerated for an extended period of time, loses it's viability, resulting in germination problems. - Milllet

Much of the germinating success of Citrus seed has to do with temperature. For the earliest and greatest germination percentage, seed temperatures need be maintained between 79-F an 91.5-F. Germination is retarded and finally completely checked by either too low or too high temperatures. Citrus seed will not germinate at temperatures above 104-F and below 55-F. This is the time of year that many citrus varieties are maturing, therefore, if you will list on this forum which types of citrus you wish to grow, hopefully some members will be able to supply the seeds your looking for. It might be a good idea to start a heading on this forum titled "Seed Bank" where members can list seeds (any type of seeds) that they have available and seeds that they are looking for. - Millet

In Florida, the Dept of Plant Industry will provide seeds of at least some varieties used for rootstock-- does CA do the same?

Skeet

When it comes to trade winds fruit citrus seeds, the best thing to do is to soak them in warm water overnight. Patty is right on when she says to use bottom heat.(heat pad) It took me 5 months to get some Citrus junos<yuzu> to germinate. Trade winds citrus seeds do come way to dry. When it come to citrus seeds, is it against the law(Any state) to send cirtus seeds with a little bit of pulp or juice in a mini seal packet? Would keep the seeds super fresh.

I save a quart or more of trifoliate/flying dragon seeds each year. I dry them overnight and put them in a ziplock bag with a little fungicide until spring. I've never had a problem with germination. I also plant some immediately. The planted ones are sprouting out now as we have had lots of warm weather already.

I purchased "Flying Dragon" seeds from Trade Winds Fruit last year. And like yours mine were dried out.

None germinated.

I guess Trade Winds Fruit does not know how to take care
of citrus seeds.

trade winds has a reputation for poor seed quality. As Phil said, if you harvest the seed fresh - add a fungicide and put them in the refrigerator they will last a while. If you harvest them & let them dry out at room temp, they will be useless in a matter of days...

In California the only place I know of to purchase Trifoliata rootstock & seed is http://www.citrustreesource.com/pricing/

I hope you write in a complaint at Dave's Garden Watchdog.
...I just checked & I see you posted there LOL. Give it a while longer & go from there.
Steelviper, (I see you posted there too!) I got seeds from someone & they were put back inside the peel with some pulp in it & tightly wrapped. They were VERY fresh and all germinated. I really don't think that is illegal.