Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Seedy Subjects! => Grow From Seed => Topic started by: Diane Whitehead on April 07, 2008, 07:06:57 PM

Title: ripening seeds in broken pods
Post by: Diane Whitehead on April 07, 2008, 07:06:57 PM
I'm sure I've read about this when I didn't need the information,
but can't find it now that I do.

A friend and I have been keeping an eye on snowdrops growing
on an untended hillside above the graves of a churchyard.

Well, we thought it was an untended hill, but someone has decided
to tidy with a weed whacker.

From what point can we ripen the seeds in broken-off seedpods?
Title: Re: ripening seeds in broken pods
Post by: annew on April 07, 2008, 08:16:41 PM
I have ripened narcissus seeds in a cut stem in water, picked while the pod was still green.
Title: Re: ripening seeds in broken pods
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 08, 2008, 09:50:12 PM
I think any bulb whose pod is fully formed, even though entirely green, is worth a try. At worst, you'll have nothing germinate, but at best, you may get some or plenty. You're no worse off whatever you do. In my experience though, once the pod is picked, it shouldn't be allowed to dry out or the unripe seeds will shrivel. As Anne says, put the stems in a glass of water or with Galanthus whose stems may be lax, just put the pods in a sauce with damp paper, the stem end down if possible. And don't put them on a sunny windowsill, but in a light, airy place out of direct sunlight.
Title: Re: ripening seeds in broken pods
Post by: annew on April 09, 2008, 06:15:37 PM
just put the pods in a sauce with damp paper, the stem end down if possible.
Is that chocolate or tomato, Lesley? :-X
Title: Re: ripening seeds in broken pods
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 09, 2008, 10:55:13 PM
It would have to be chocolate Anne. :P
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