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Re: Seed harvesting



Group:
Today, Phillip Allen <PAllen9254@msn.com> wrote:
> The easiest way to collect seed from plants that have dehiscent
(exploding or 
> popping) seed capsules, and from those that drop seeds as they ripen, is
to 
> use a small muslin or nylon mesh bag with a drawstring, slipping it over
the 
> maturing ovary and closing it around the stem tightly enough to hold it
in 
> place and contain the seeds, but not so tightly as to cut off
circulation.  
> They are easy to make of you have the time, and are available frm a
number of 
> sources.  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange sells nylon mesh bags in three 
> sizes; I believe that Pinewood Gardens does as well.  I will post the 
> addresses if you don't have their catalogues.  Small paper bags work too,
if 
> you can't find fabric bags.
You should be aware that the spun-bond material used as row covers (Reemay,
etc.) can be heat-sealed into protective bags / pouches.  I make large
pollination protection bags (big enough to enclose flower spikes) by
cutting rectangles and sealing the the two long open edges (the fold is the
top, the opening at the bottom goes over the spike).  I use an iron, set
just above permanent press, to seal the edges.  BE CAREFUL as you
experiment: a little too much heat and everything melts since there is not
much material there.  I am sure that a heat-sealer with an adjustable heat
control would also work.  The lightest material is probably a little too
light (although it is what I am using), and tends to have thin spots in it,
but heavier grades should work better.
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