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Drying Seeds

11 years ago

Deer broke off a large portion of Chelone glabra, before the seeds had dried. Question: Has anyone successfully dried this particular genus in a paper bag? I know you can do others that way, if you have to pick the seeds before they are ready, but I haven't done this with Chelone.

This plant was so spectacular and vigorous...stems at least seven feet tall and full of blooms! I had planned to collect seeds this year, but blooming is always late for me, thus seeds are still green now.

Comments, advice?

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Comments (2)

lycopus
11 years ago
Seeds of Chelone are mature once they turn brown-black and should be ready once the capsules begin to split at the tip. That's when I collect mine. If the capsules are still a bit green I will let them dry in a paper bag before collecting the seeds. If they are already broken try checking them after they've dried. Should be plump in the middle with a winged margin all the way around. Otherwise if there are still some on the plants you can give them more time to mature.
Lynda Waldrep
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes, they are still green, but I will put in a paper bag to see if I can get them to ripen. Thanks for your suggestions.
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