Seed ripening

Seed pods show subtle signs of ripening.  The color turns slightly from
bright green to a sort of brownish green.  The outer layer of the pod may
become wrinkled and feel slightly soft--not tight and smooth as before.
Finally the pod begins to open a little at the top.  When this happens,
move quickly to collect the seeds because the pod will open completely in a
day or two and the seeds will fall out.

Ripe seeds will be glossy and brown.  If the seeds are still white or only
light tan, and you had to pull the seed pod open, you may have moved TOO
quickly.  But white seeds, if mature enough, will sometimes ripen outside
the pod, so don't throw them away.

Seeds can be sown fresh or stored in a cool, dry place until you have time
to plant them.  Jar lids make good seed trays.  Don't seal the seeds up in
a plastic bag right after collecting them or they will get moldy and be
ruined; always keep them in an open container until they dry out
completely.  Then they will look hard and wrinkled, but don't worry, they
will still germinate.

In cold climates, it's better to wait until late fall to plant seeds so
that they don't germinate right away and you have tiny seedlings exposed to
the winter weather.  Fall planted seed will germinate in the spring.

Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@tiger.hsc.edu>
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