Old Space Shuttle Seeds

whistler · March 16, 2011

I have just been given a few tomato seeds that went up on the space shuttle in 1984 for the LDEF [Long Duration Exposure Facility] project. They came back to Earth in 1989 and were distributed to school students for experimentation.

What should I do when planting them to ensure the best germination outcome? As far as I know, the seeds were stored in suitable conditions for the last 22 years.

Thanks for your help.

mjc · March 16, 2011

How many is a 'few'...

That will help on figuring out how many to try for different methods of 'waking them up'.

whistler · March 16, 2011

Only 5. Wish it were more.

puttgirl · March 17, 2011

Cool, I'd try a seaweed extract soak. But I'm sure the experts here know more than I do.

DKelly · March 17, 2011

5% bleach soak for 5 minutes. put seeds 1/6" down in sterile media that drains well keep evenly moist not wet and about 80 degrees. what type of seeds do you have? when they grow up I would be interested in trading.
-d

dustdevil · March 17, 2011

I would think they are a collectible with provenance. I'd keep 'em as a curiosity, since the variety probably isn't outstanding anyways. Maybe a visit to Antiques Roadshow is in order

shlacm · March 17, 2011

I think they are Rutgers... there are seeds from their "descendents" listed in the SSE Yearbook.

March 16, 2011	#1
whistler Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: PA Posts: 100	Old Space Shuttle Seeds I have just been given a few tomato seeds that went up on the space shuttle in 1984 for the LDEF [Long Duration Exposure Facility] project. They came back to Earth in 1989 and were distributed to school students for experimentation. What should I do when planting them to ensure the best germination outcome? As far as I know, the seeds were stored in suitable conditions for the last 22 years. Thanks for your help.

March 17, 2011	#6
dustdevil Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: WI, USA Zone4 Posts: 1,887	I would think they are a collectible with provenance. I'd keep 'em as a curiosity, since the variety probably isn't outstanding anyways. Maybe a visit to Antiques Roadshow is in order Last edited by dustdevil; March 19, 2011 at 08:23 PM.

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March 16, 2011	#2
mjc Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: WV Posts: 603	How many is a 'few'... That will help on figuring out how many to try for different methods of 'waking them up'.

March 17, 2011	#4
puttgirl Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW PA Posts: 281	Cool, I'd try a seaweed extract soak. But I'm sure the experts here know more than I do.

March 17, 2011	#5
DKelly Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hawaii Posts: 88	5% bleach soak for 5 minutes. put seeds 1/6" down in sterile media that drains well keep evenly moist not wet and about 80 degrees. what type of seeds do you have? when they grow up I would be interested in trading. -d

March 17, 2011	#7
shlacm Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central VA Posts: 436	I think they are Rutgers... there are seeds from their "descendents" listed in the SSE Yearbook.