Seed Timing and Viability - newb questions ;)
Posted: Aug 14, 2010 2:54 am
So guys, in my reading it has been alluded to that you can sow Hosta seeds without any rest. However, it seems most folks are sowing seeds in the dead of winter. I have also read that you can harvest seeds even while pods are green (generally a NECESSARY step when harvesting Orchids to prevent contamination in lab culture, so not a new notion). I also have read that good hosta seeds are "black". Furthermore, have read that most people will try to leave pods on the plants as long as possible and simply wait for the scape to start dying back, at which point the harvest and dry out. Conversely, have also read that seeds can be viable as early as 3 weeks post fertilization.
Obviously, there's a bit of conflicting info up there. I've harvested a few seed pods from plants here where the scapes were starting to die back. I also harvested a TON of seeds from my mother's Frances Williams and the other ones that the jury is still out on (looking like Tokudama). These were still definitely green scapes, and they've stayed green while being kept in envelopes for over 3 weeks now. The seeds come out nice and black, some with definite "bumps" in them, but they all look "wrinkled".
I think about a week ago, I split some pods and tried sowing some seeds. So far, nothing. Of course, I did just the little "Jiffy" tray with the peat plugs, and I do plan on trying other methods. But, with so much possibly conflicting advice, I'm putting in to you all. Have I jumped the gun, or could I be trying to get seeds to sprout now? Are my "wrinkled" black seeds viable?
I have MANY more pods to play with this year yet. Patriot, August Moon, Golden Tiara, and now a bunch of my Allan P. Mcconnells have set pods too. Plus all that I have already pulled. If I need to wait until fall, or 2011, let me know But I'd like to get some practice and maybe some success in the hopes of being more confident at trying other people's seeds this winter as they become available.
Thanks for reading the diatribe
Obviously, there's a bit of conflicting info up there. I've harvested a few seed pods from plants here where the scapes were starting to die back. I also harvested a TON of seeds from my mother's Frances Williams and the other ones that the jury is still out on (looking like Tokudama). These were still definitely green scapes, and they've stayed green while being kept in envelopes for over 3 weeks now. The seeds come out nice and black, some with definite "bumps" in them, but they all look "wrinkled".
I think about a week ago, I split some pods and tried sowing some seeds. So far, nothing. Of course, I did just the little "Jiffy" tray with the peat plugs, and I do plan on trying other methods. But, with so much possibly conflicting advice, I'm putting in to you all. Have I jumped the gun, or could I be trying to get seeds to sprout now? Are my "wrinkled" black seeds viable?
I have MANY more pods to play with this year yet. Patriot, August Moon, Golden Tiara, and now a bunch of my Allan P. Mcconnells have set pods too. Plus all that I have already pulled. If I need to wait until fall, or 2011, let me know But I'd like to get some practice and maybe some success in the hopes of being more confident at trying other people's seeds this winter as they become available.
Thanks for reading the diatribe