Aussie Finch Forum

Hi all,
I have just starting to use virkon s for sprouting seed, with some minimal success. I mixed 1/2 teaspoon to 1.2L of water on a kilo of seed, and this morning I noticed that my seed had developed mold/fungus on them. Would anyone feel safe to use 1teaspoon to 1.2L of water? Also I have just soaked the seed for another 1/2 hour to kill any nasties that have grown over night, should I use the seed once it has drained or should I throw it away?

Cheers macca04

Hi Macca,i would not use any seed that has mold on it ,throw it away in my opinion,there are plenty of people on this forum that use virkon s so wait for their opinion on how to use and what to do ,cheers garyh

I use Virkon & err on the side of a bit more rather than less. I use a heaped teaspoon per 1.5-2l of water, soak for half a day, strain off water without rinsing, leave in large bowl stirring twice/day until sprouted (usually 2 days), then freeze excess for later use.

I use Virkon S at the ratio of 1 teaspoon to kilo of seed..no problems so far...Check out Sam Davis video on how he does it also... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XguZ8drhNIM

Hi, also what brand of seed are u using? I have got some golden cob

I use a local mix I buy separate and mix myself

Hi
Throw out any seed with mould on it.
Cheers
Tom(and welcome!)

I have found that humidity plays a role. If the seed is too wet during the humid phase mould comes in after 20 hrs.

If yiu drain it well then let it sit it sprouts with no mould.

Thats my experience.

I have had similar problems at times. I have overcome the problems by:
- using about 3/4 to 1 teaspoon if virkon S to around 1.5 to 2.0 litres of water;
- giving it a good stir prior to draining;
- not leaving the lid on for too long after you drain it; and
- stirring the seed once or twice a day as the top starts to dry out.

How long are you sprouting it for? At this time of year the seed should chit (sprout barely showing) in around 24 to 36 hours. It the seed is too damp to freeze, i.e. it turns into a ice block when you try to freeze it, you can dry it back using soft-food, hand raising mix or shell grit. Otherwise once you think the seed has started to chit, you can let it dry out in the fridge with the lid off, again stirring once or twice a day before freezing.

Hope that gives you a few ideas.

Cheers Ian

I leave mine in a wide mouth glass jar after draining and set in a sunny warm place