Wyeast propagator on a 5l scale

[tetrahydrofuran]

Hello,
I'm brewing on a small scale - in 5l (~1 gallon) vessels. I've been using dry yeast so far without any issues, usually using 1/3 of the bag for my batch. I've now decided to use Ringwood yeast, and bought a propagator pack.

Now, the web says I should leave the yeast to grow (propagate) for a couple of days in a small bit of wort. I'm wondering, if I'm using the yeast for 5l only anyway, what would happen if I didn't "propagate" the yeast and just pitched it as it is (with those 25G cells) - the amount of cells provided should be more than enough to start the fermentation on such a small scale.

If it's not advisable to do this, and you'll tell me to really propagate my yeast first, the instructions are saying I'll be looking for 2l propagation vessel for a 23 litre (5 gallon) batch. Assuming it scales evenly, I'll make those 2 litres of stuff, use about half a litre of that, and... what do I do with the rest? Can I keep it, store it, freeze it?

Cheers!

 

[BigB]

If you are pitching 1 propogator pack into 5L of wort, you have more than enough yeast and do not need to make a starter. The propogator packs are too small for a 5 Gal batch, but there is certainly enough viable yeast for a 1-3 gallon batch.