Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Seedy Subjects! => Grow From Seed => Topic started by: Erik F. on June 20, 2015, 07:08:17 AM

Title: Stipa gigantea: When should seeds be collected?
Post by: Erik F. on June 20, 2015, 07:08:17 AM

I've been collecting (and later germinating) seeds for most of my life, but haven't had much luck with grasses – I always seem to harvest them too early.

What's the right time to collect seeds of Stipa gigantea? How do you know they're ripe?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Erik

Title: Re: Stipa gigantea: When should seeds be collected?
Post by: Rick R. on June 21, 2015, 03:15:49 AM

Hesperostipa (Stipa) spartea is native to our prairies here.  The long awns will begin to dry, and will often curly around the still green awns of other seeds.  I have to say I have never investigated thoroughly, but I assume that will signal maturity.  Does Stipa gigantea do this, too?

Title: Re: Stipa gigantea: When should seeds be collected?
Post by: Erik F. on July 01, 2015, 08:40:28 AM

First of all, thanks so much for trying to help, Rick.

I don't believe Stipa gigantea awns curl the way you've described – at least not from what I've been able to observe.

But my problem has been resolved by nature: mature seeds are now dropping in large quantities, so I already have quite a few for the next seed exchange. :-)