Stipa gigantea: When should seeds be collected?

[Erik F.]

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

[Rick R.]

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?

[Erik F.]

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. :-)