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Collecting Ipomoea lobata seeds

LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
in Plants
I've grown Spanish Flag (Ipomoea lobata, firmerly Mina lobata) for the first time this year. The plants have set seed which I'd like to collect but it's still green and soft, though a good size. Has anyone collected seed from this, and does it need to develop further on the plant? It reminds me of Nasturtium seed, which seems viable if collected at the same stage.
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
- Cicero

Posts

  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    I have a couple of seed (Ipomoea lobata,  Mina lobata) here. I do not know if this helps they are brown and measure between 3 to 4 mm in diameter.
    These are from a shop bought packet given to me by my aunt.
    I think I would try to leave them on the plant a little longer, are the pods turning yet?
    Some plants seeds seem to be okay collected a bit early not quite ripe others not.

    I just wondered if standing them with a longish stem in water or even a little weak plant food and water in a jar might help, as opposed to cutting and drying them.  As then they are being fed and watered still. The seeds need a little embryo shoot and food inside. If they have not fully developed they will be at best a weak plant and worst not viable.

    The pods should really be just about to open or partially to disperse their seeds so they are ripe.
    Good luck

  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Thanks @Rubytoo. Yes, I grew the plants from seed and the seeds were brown, but these didn't look like they were going to brown at any time soon... however, I looked at them this morning and a few are starting to change colour so I'll leave them growing for now. And hope the birds don't beat me to all of them!


    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    They are looking good, fingers crossed for dry weather and birdies leaving them alone.
    It has been a long time since I grew any, they are really nice novel flowers. I do not remember the birds being that interested.
    I think i did not save any as it was a wet year so they went mouldy before I could harvest.
    Good Luck .
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    I have a feeling that might happen here - everything is just a bit soggy and damp feeling at the moment. Fingers crossed I'll be able to save a few.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    oops sorry me again. The stem stub on the biggest "going brown" pod looks like it is flat or shrivelled, if the pod will come away easily and no moisture in it? I would take some like that in?
    Working on the assumption, guessing once that little stubby pod stem is dry no more goodness is going into the seed.
    Unless anyone else thinks different. :)
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