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The Seed Exchange

have osage oranges-hedgeapples

12 years ago

O.K. I gathered a dozen hedge apples. Now what. The net says the way to extract the seed is to let them rot and strain out the seed in the spring. Fun! I dissected a dozen seeds from the fresh fruit which is filled with a lacquer like latex that needs rubbing alcohol to remove. I placed them in damp soil in the fridge. Last year I removed hundreds of seeds from a dried hedge apple and not one of them sprouted so I think they need to stay moist. one apple has graciously volunteered to rot quickly. The pretty light green and white pulp turns to an uninviting turd brown. Since Osage roots have been used for centuries as dye stuff I figure this is going to stain. Oh well at least it doesn't smell bad. So I should have some fresh rotted Osage seeds soon if anyone wants them. I can send you an apple for postage if would like to have all this fun yourself.Ric

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Comments (6)

SteedIF
12 years ago
Hi ricjo
If you cut the apples while their still green, it is a sticky mess but then soak the seeds in a bowl of water, remove them after a day or so, make sure all pulp is cleaned off seed, rub them between a paper towel, then throw them in a ziplock baggy without any soil and they will germinate in the spring. At least this has worked for me.
Steve
ricjo22
Original Author
12 years ago
Hi Steve you refrigerated them right? This sounds sound. Maybe I can use disposable gloves like I do with the hot pepper processing ordeal. Thanks Ric
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SteedIF
12 years ago
Yes I collect the seed around Oct. Process them, and place them in fridge in lettuce crisper(drawer) the temp stays a constant 38 to 40 degrees. I take them out around mid to late March and sow.
docjsf
12 years ago
i have read, and am trying this year, just mashing up the fruits and planting the whole mess.
ricjo22
Original Author
12 years ago
I think i like the simplicity of that. I 'll put an apple where i would like it to grow and stomp it into the ground. It could work
l_james
12 years ago
I can attest to that. My kids brought some home then just threw them out of the can into the yard. Now I have a clump of hedge apple trees. I'm going to just mow them down.

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