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Author Topic: ripening seeds in broken pods  (Read 1734 times)

Diane Whitehead

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ripening seeds in broken pods
« 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?
Diane Whitehead        Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
cool mediterranean climate  warm dry summers, mild wet winters  70 cm rain,   sandy soil

annew

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Re: ripening seeds in broken pods
« Reply #1 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.
MINIONS! I need more minions!
Anne Wright, Dryad Nursery, Yorkshire, England

www.dryad-home.co.uk

Lesley Cox

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Re: ripening seeds in broken pods
« Reply #2 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.
Lesley Cox - near Dunedin, lower east coast, South Island of New Zealand - Zone 9

annew

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Re: ripening seeds in broken pods
« Reply #3 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
MINIONS! I need more minions!
Anne Wright, Dryad Nursery, Yorkshire, England

www.dryad-home.co.uk

Lesley Cox

  • way down south !
  • Hero Member
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  • Posts: 16348
  • Country: nz
  • Gardening forever, house work.....whenever!
Re: ripening seeds in broken pods
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2008, 10:55:13 PM »
It would have to be chocolate Anne. :P
Lesley Cox - near Dunedin, lower east coast, South Island of New Zealand - Zone 9

 


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