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Will these collected seeds to viable?

IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
in Plants
I clipped a couple of these seed heads hoping that the plant continues to throw up a few more flowers but saving seeds now in case it doesn’t. So will this work as the seed heads are still green, if I dry it indoors will it become seeds I can use? Should I then scatter them or pot them or wait until spring? I think it’s scabious. Thanks.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Seeds have to ripen on the plant to be viable   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    So not worth picking these off then? Will scabious continue to flower if I cut seeds off now? The leaves are going red.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Depends on the weather but if your plant is more or less exhausted by now, you would probably not be expecting a new flush of flowers.
    You don't make it clear whether you have removed all the seed heads or not.  If you have a seed head left on the plant, leave it until the seeds ripen and then you can remove and store the seeds for next year.

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    I have collected seeds from around our garden when some have still been green. I have kept them in a paper bag/envelope and kept them in a warm place for a week or so and they have ripened and I have successfully sown them in the Spring.
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    Seeds do not have to be brown to be viable, exactly how underripe they can be depends on the type of plant. For sweetcorn for example it will be viable just after it goes past eating, the same for peas as soon as they get a tiny bit starchy they will be viable if dried. I would dry them inside and then collect those that are full size, sowing them in the spring.
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    Thank you all, I’ve kept these seeds in the conservatory so will see how these fare and the rest I’ve left on the plant to ripen more. I think the plant is spent but it was lovely for a good few weeks so hope it comes back again next year. I don’t know whether to sow the seeds in autumn or spring so will try both.
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