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Drying Seeds

9 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
9 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
9 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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