Re: HYB: seeds in containers

Walter,

Thanks so much for this info, Walter.  VERY helpful.

Patricia


-- In iris-talk@y..., "wmoores" <wmoores@w...> wrote:
> 
> > 
> > Some of my SDB crosses have dried and I've gathered.  But the big 
> > ones from TB crosses are still as green as ever.  How long does 
it 
> > take for the seeds inside to ripen?  And will the pods eventually 
dry and
> > crack as described?  Or do some ripen but stay green?
> > 
> > Patricia
> 
>    Seed ripening varies with the climate.  Our ninety plus heat can 
> begin in May after pods were formed in April.  With the heat and 
> persistent sunshine, I start to gather TB pods in mid to late June, 
> and by July 4, 90% of the crop is harvested.  I think I had two 
pods 
> this year than took a little longer to mature.  In cooler, cloudy 
> climates it may take longer for a pod to dry and split open.
> 
>     You don't have to wait until a pod turns completely brown and 
> splits open to harvest the seeds.  Many times a pale green pod 
> contains brown seeds even though it has not split at the seams.  
> Sometimes, with a late maturing pod, I will take a sharp knife and 
> cut into the pod at the tip where it would normally start to 
split.  
> If the seeds are brown, I go ahead and harvest it. If the seeds are 
> gray, tan, or still green, I leave the pod in place.  It's sort of 
a 
> judgment call and one that develops with experiencce - like 
spotting 
> balloon pods. If the pods have been on the stalk for two and a half 
> to three months, I would say they are ready without splitting 
open.  
> With more experience, you'll get the hang of it and just know which 
> ones are ready.
> 
>  I dry the seeds thoroughly and place the seeds in the freezer for 
> November planting in pots.  The pots are sunk in the ground and by 
> February, I am rewarded with little green sprouts.  If the 
weatherman 
> predicts 25o or below after some have sprouted, I cover the pots 
with 
> old blankets..
> 
> Walter Moores
> Enid Lake, MS USA 7/8


 

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