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Tennessee Gardening

How can I tell if my helleborous seedsare ready?

12 years ago

I was surprised to see my helleborous is putting seeds pods,does anybody know how can I tell if they are ready for harvest and what do they look like when ready.I opened one of them up and they are white, the pod was not ready(still green) but my curiosity was stronger. I saw some place that they should be planted right away. Can I save them in baggies for trades? Thanks

Comments (3)

thurston
12 years ago
Watch until the pods begin to turn brown. When you notice them beginning to split you can harvest the seeds. The seeds should be planted this year.

I don't think I'd seal them in baggies until you're sure they are dry. I've bought seeds from England that were in little ziplock bags and had good germination. Good luck.
thurston
12 years ago
Start checking your seed pods. I found the pods on three flowers open this morning, but most are still green. The seeds will look like little shiny black mouse droppings.
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I was going to post photos of my mom's Michelia alba tree and ask the same thing... having seen your photos, I'd have to say that my mom's alba tree as well as yours do have seed pods on it. There are lots of pods on her tree in varying stages of growth. The pods will eventually ripen (turn red, at least on her tree) with the pods popping open and exposing the seeds. I found three seeds -- two still attached to the pod and one on the ground -- which I plan to pot up today. From what I've read online, the alba produce mostly sterile seeds, but I'll plant them anyway to see if it will still grow.
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fivemurfs
12 years ago
I've never had luck growing Hellebore from seeds that I harvested myself. I don't know about saving for trading but if you want more plants in your own garden, wait and they will naturally re-seed. Look under the mature plant and you'll find lots of babies. They are rugged and very easy to split up and move. In two years those babies will be grown ups.

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