Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 10:19:39 -0600
From: Nancy L Newfield <colibri@GS.VERIO.NET>
Reply-To: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast
<HUMNET-L@listserv.lsu.edu>
To: HUMNET-L@listserv.lsu.edu
Subject: Re: [HUMNET-L] Another Plant Questions - Harvesting Seeds

At 08:48 AM 12/16/01 -0600, Bill Wood wrote:

>Another question about harvesting seeds and such. The only plant that I've
>grown from seed is the Salvia coccinea that I got from Van. I was
>wondering if their is any general method to harvesting and storing seeds?

Hi Bill,

I am an inveterate and compulsive seed collector. The real gardeners on
this list will probably have more and better suggestions, but this is what
I do.

First watch for signs that the seeds are maturing properly. The hulls or
casings will turn brown and begin to split. Try to harvest right before
the seeds are released naturally. Harvest on a dry day, early to
mid-morning. Watch carefully to catch the seeds at the peak of perfection
and before they disseminate naturally. Often this is a very narrow window.

I collect some seeds in a pint-sized freezer container and clean the seeds
by blowing gently to permit the hulls and other debris to blow away. This
is quite useful for Red Morning Glory Ipomoea coccinea, Cypress Vine
Ipomoea quamoclit, Cardinal Climber Ipomoea multifida, and other morning
glories.

For the various milkweeds, I watch for signs that the pod is ready to
split, usually brown speckles develop. I separate the seeds and their
downy "umbrellas" immediately. If you tarry much the pod will split wide
open and the seeds will be carried away on the breeze. I place the
collected seeds in a small paper bag and allow them to dry for a week or
so. Then, I shake the bag and that separates the seeds from the "umbrellas".

For cannas, I just wait until the pod dries on the plant. Then, I peel
them as I would with any bean or pea.

For various salvia species, I cut the spent inflorescence off and let it fall into
a screen sieve set in a bowl. The seeds usually fall through the screen.

For all seeds, I put them into open containers and let them dry for a week
or so before packaging them in glassine [paper] envelopes. Always keep
different seeds separate and label them carefully. I use archival ink that
doesn't run, bleed, feather, or fade. Be sure to date your
packages. Drying is very important because moist or damp seeds will get
moldy and perish. Generally, I store seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Most seed remains viable for a year or so, but the germination rate drops with each passing week.

Properly collected and stored seed has been an easy way to share our favorite plants. I know I am not the only Humnetter who has "mailed hummers" to new friends in other parts of the country.

NLN
*************************
Nancy L Newfield
Casa Colibrí

For cannas, I just wait until the pod dries on the plant. Then, I peel
them as I would with any bean or pea.

For various salvia species, I cut the spent inflorescence off and let it