ALWAYS ORCHIDS FLASKING SERVICE

Always Orchids Lab offers orchid flasking services to commercial as well as hobby growers. We are experienced with flasking several different orchid genera including cattleya, paphiopedilum, phragmipedium, dendrobium, oncidium, etc. We work with both green pod and loose seed. Seeds of most types will be accepted.

MOTHER FLASKS: We routinely sow at least two mother flasks for each seed pod. The second is a backup in case one flask fails to germinate, becomes contaminated or if you need a large number of flasks.

When there is germination (which can take from a few weeks to several months), you will be notified and requested to confirm the total number of replate flasks you desire. Once we have made the requested number of replates, any remaining plant material will be destroyed unless you request it be held for future use..

Always Orchids is not liable in the event your seed fails to germinate. The $20 mother flasking fee is non-refundable. Germination is not guaranteed although we will do everything possible to encourage germination of your valuable orchid seed.

REPLATE FLASKS: We will discuss the number of replate flasks requested before beginning any replate work. Final replate flasks will contain 25+ plantlets each. Replate fees will be billed when the plantlets are ready to be released. Finished orchid seedlings will either be sent out of flask, ready for potting up or in flask, depending on your preferences. Either way, you should be prepared to plant your seedlings when they arrive.

CONTAINER: We have chosen to use a round, polypropylene "Microbox" with a state of the art, crystal clear, vented lid. This filter allows for up to nine gas exchanges per day while protecting the plants inside against pests, contamination and excessive drying of the media.

Your plants benefit by having the proper gaseous environment for optimum growth inside the flask which makes for an easier transition to life outside the flask.

SHIPPING: Buyer is responsible for actual shipping costs billed through Paypal. Plants will be shipped upon receipt of payment.

PICK UP DISCOUNT: If you are in close enough proximity, you may schedule an appointment to pick up your flasks when they are freshly replated but before they are fully grown. You may then grow them to compot size in your own facility. This saves us the lighted grow space and you the cost of shipping plus you get a discount of $2 per flask. It is also beneficial to the plants as they have a much gentler transport to your greenhouse. There is less risk of jumbling from rough handling or contamination from air pressure extremes they will encounter via air flight. In addition, you can enjoy watching their progress yourself.

If this is an option for you, please let us know when we confirm the number of replates you need. We will then make arrangements to get your flasks to you as soon as they are ready for release.

PRICING: Our fee to sow a set of two Mother Flasks is $20.00.

Cost for replate flasks is $20 each less any discounts. Payment for finished replate flasks must be received in full before shipment or pickup. You will be notified that your flasks are ready for release and will be invoiced either via Paypal or email.

START THE PROCESS: Please read all instructions on this page before initiating a flasking order. If you wish to send a seed capsule(s) to Always Orchids Lab for processing, click on the Add to Cart button. Please fill out the data collection form you are directed to after you complete the Paypal transaction. That will generate an email letting us know you are sending seed and collect your identifying information so we can set up a folio for you and prepare sowing media for your seeds.

NOTE: This system is designed to handle multiples of 5 seed pods. If you need to send more than five seed pods, go through the system as many times as you need. If you are sending more than 10 pods, a phone call would be nice, just to alert us to a larger quantity of seed coming. Thanks.

OTHER PAYMENT: If you prefer to pay by check or cash, please fill out the data collection form.

SENDING YOUR SEED: It is advisable to send your seed as soon as possible after harvesting because fresh seed has a higher viability rate.

We prefer not to keep records of your specific cross, however, we do require an indication from you as to the genus of your seed pod in order to select the proper germination and replate media. If you wish, you may label your cross with a code number (no more than 4 characters, please) which we will refer to throughout the flasking process.

Wrap your seed capsule in a clean sheet of typing paper or better yet, a clean, unused coffee filter. Loose seed can be sent folded several times in a square of clean typing paper. If sending loose seed in an envelope, tape all corners as seeds tend to leak out. Do NOT send seed sealed in plastic. Doing so can promote fungal growth which is difficult to eradicate and may endanger the mother flasks and possibly your final replates.

Label the seed package with the genus of the cross and any code numbers for identification (please limit to 4 characters). Send all in a box-type of mailer or padded envelope to:

Always Orchids Lab
C/O Barbara Andrewjeski
653 Kris Lane
Mosinee, WI 54455

If sending in extreme weather, identify the package as a perishable that should not be exposed to temperature extremes. Use insulation inside the box if you are shipping seed capsules or dry seed in very hot or frigid temperatures.

Good Luck with your hybridization. We look forward to serving your flasking needs.

If you need to talk to me directly, use the call button here to connect. Thanks.