Herbs: Scented Geranium Swap, PT 2 (Pelargonium), 1 by bloomheaven

bloomheaven wrote:
Hello Swappers! I was reading something interesting in a book tonight about SG's and I thought I would share. I remember someone asking about collecting seeds from them and instructions were given so I thought I would post.
"Each of the five carpels in a floret contains a single seed. When the seeds are ripe the carpels begin slowly to detach from each other, starting at the seed end. The seeds are ready to harvest when the carpels turn brown and a dark line runs up the style. As the carpels continue to separate, they stretch outward and remain attached only at the tips of their now feathery styles. The is you last change to collect the seeds before they blow away.
Place the harvested carpels in a paper bag and let them dry for several days. You can plant the entire carpel or first remove the seed by gently rubbing the carpels between your hands. Pick away the restulting chaff or put the seeds through a sieve. Store any seeds which you don't plant immediately in air-tight glass jars in a cool, dark location. The seeds will remain viable for one to three years, depending on species." From Scented Geraniums: Knowing Growing and Enjoying Scented Pelargoniums by Jim Becker and Faye Brawner

Hope this helps. I haven't seen any blooms up close before so the name parts aren't too clear to me, but I know ya'll know more than me. I've included the 2 close up pictures from the book so you can get a close view of the parts....neither labels the carpels so I guess maybe I'm just ignorant in not knowing what they are! I'm so new at all this!! I want to know it all NOW! :) ok, start saving seeds swappers......for next year! Have a Happy 4th tomorrow. Fran