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Harvesting pods early and green

16 years ago

I have tremendous problems with deer, in the Fall. Can seed pods be picked green (before they open) and then dried inside? Is the seed still viable? I know the deer are builing their winter stores, but when it is my ripen pods, it sure isn't appreciated! :o(

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Comments (3)

beaufort-2006
16 years ago
Hi Chariotte if you have problems with deer try wolf urine it worked for me.also some pods will open while still green and most will just as thay turn a little brown on the tip if in doubt pinch the pod on both sides of the tip if it gives or the pod cracks its time to pick it but dont let the seeds stay in the pod to ripen it wont work tne seeds will be destroyed due to not being able to mature and could rot. Good Luck Dick
lotodig
16 years ago
Charlotte428 you asked if pods could be picked green and then dried inside......As much as i know about it that would be a definite NO. The pods must stay on the plant till they are ripe as discribed by Dick. If you pick them before they are ripe they will look good but when you plant them they will not germinate. That has been my expiremce anyway and from the research I've done on the subject.
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bambi_too
16 years ago
Yes they will ripen indoors, its all in the method.

I manage to break a couple of scapes every year. I have yet to lose one.

First label your scapes, they should already be labled with the pollen parent anyway but make sure you know what each one is. Next cut them off leaving them as long as possible. Take them inside and cut them in water like you were cutting flowers for a vase. I have used sugar water, and water with 7up or sprite in it to hold them. Change the mix every couple of days, and recut the scapes when you do that. Or....

Get some nylon or better yet aluminium window screen and cut pieces to cover your pods with, wrap and tie them with cable ties or twistees, I don't think the deer will want to eat the screen. Or.....

Since you are just worried about the pods at this time of the year you can buy pepper spray, and spray them, I suspect spraying them with a highlt scented dish soap and water mixture would also work, but if you use the sprays, don't forget to do it every couple of days, especially if it rains.

Hope you can use one of these methods, I think covering the pods with screen is the best method, and you won't have to worry about the pods opening and the seeds falling on the ground.

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