Frequently Asked Questions.
What kind of seeds do you store?
Currently the seed bank is storing heirloom and open pollinated vegetable seeds, with a strong emphasis on heirlooms. In the future, I’ll be delving into the world of heritage ornamentals as well, but for now, vegetables are the focus.
What is your seed stored for?
The main purpose of the storage is to keep the seed viable long enough until a grow out year, when a variety will be regrown, and then more seed harvested. Once the seed is harvested, the majority of it will be distributed to any grower who wants it, and the remaining seed will be placed back into storage. The Populuxe Seed Bank also strives to send seed to national and international seed banks, as well as other seed preservation groups, like Seeds of Diversity.
How many seeds of each variety do you have?
Currently there are 100-200 seeds of each variety in storage. As grow out years happen, more and more seed will be saved. Seeds that are currently up for distribution will have many more seeds then that available.
What kind of storage do you use?
Cool storage at 4°C with controlled humidity. Seeds that are over two years old are kept in cold storage at -18°C.
Can I have more information on your seeds?
Sure! I keep pretty thorough records on my seeds in a database, including the seeds history, as well as its pedigree. Any information you would like to know, please just shoot me a message here.
Can I send you hybrid seeds?
Sorry, but I’m not accepting hybrid seeds. However, if you are interested in dehybridizing a hybrid you have, you can always contact me for more information regarding that!
What are your plants treated with?
I use fishbone meal and seaweed extract for fertilizer. For pests I use horticultural oil, and for powdery mildew I use baking soda or milk.
What’s with the name?
The name came out of my blog (where the first seed bank information was held before it grew too big), Populuxe. Populuxe is actually a kind of Mid-Century Modern architectural style that was popular in the mid 1940’s to early 1960’s (think The Theme building at Los Angeles International Airport or the Seattle Space Needle). It encompasses an optimistic view for the future. The name ended up kind of fitting for the whole idea for the seed bank: seeds of the past bringing hope for the future.
Distribution Questions
Why is there a distribution list?
Because the seed bank can’t have large quantities of all the seeds in the bank at one time (due to limited garden space) there are certain varieties that will be available certain years.
Who can have seeds on the distribution list?
Anybody who wants to grow these varieties!
Do I have to pay for them?
I charge a small fee for each packet in Canadian dollars (much less than what commercial sellers charge). I do this as a method for helping to sustain the seed bank – that money goes to obtaining new seeds, distributing seeds to other seed banks around the world, and maintaining the web space so I can host the information I have on these varieties to anybody who wants to access that information.
I’d like to trade seeds for something you have for distribution, is that okay?
Absolutely! I’m always eager to trade seeds. Please send me a message here.
I’m not in Canada, can I still request seeds?
Yes! I’m more then happy to send seeds anywhere in the world. Please note your country may have restrictions on importation of seeds – please be familiar with those before you request (unfortunately if your seeds get seized at the border I can’t help that).
I’m looking to start my own seed company, can you send me seeds?
If you’d like to order seeds through distribution, go for it. However, I won’t supply you with free seed for a commercial endeavour.
I work for a charitable organization and I’d like to discuss getting some seeds from you.
Please send me a message through the contact form to discuss!
Have any other questions I didn’t get to here? Shoot me message here.