Mini Bonsai freezer vs. fridge?

Question

I have one of those Mini Bonsai kits and in the instructions it says to put the soaked seeds in the fridge for 7 days. I was wondering if instead I could put it in the freezer for a shorter amount of time. (I made the mistake of not reading all the instructions before hand, so they are already soaked and I;m leaving for Italy in three days, so I'm hoping I can plant them before I leave)

Answer 1

Freezing could REALLY damage them. You would be better off leaving them out to dry in a well-ventilated place or refrigerating them and starting over when you get back. If they germinate while you're away you'll only have more heartache.

Freezing would cause the water they've absorbed to swell and burst the cells in the seeds. It's just like what happens when you freeze fresh vegetables. It's yucky when it has been defrosted.