This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

Re: Geraniums



On Fri, 21 Mar 1997, GJM wrote:

> How does one collect seeds from geraniums?  Purchased Raspberry Ripple


Martha, V.E..R...Y C..A..R.E.F...U.LL.Y!

	Actually, it's easy to get seed at least from species geranium 
[the hybrids are often sterile].  You just have to watch the explosive 
little cranes-bills, and pluck them off into a paper bag when they start 
to turn brown.  Since geraniums typically flower over a long season, the 
seeds ripen over a long period.  Keep your bag or envelope handy on your 
garden walks.

	To extract the seed: let everything in the bag dry, then roll 
over it with a rolling pin.  Many of the spring-loaded seed appendages 
[carpels, actually] will come free, looking rather like a sperm or 
tadpole.  The large seeds are contained in a socket in the head of this 
device. A lot of the seed heads won't have exploded, but come apart 
easily when you pick at them..

	You can easily separate the seeds that come loose by winnowing 
debris in the bottom of the bag, or just pick through it on white paper 
in a good light.  


Loren Russell, Corvallis, Oregon
Follow-Ups: References:
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index