Globe Thistle Seed/Chaff Question

Dear Seed Gurus,

I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation on how to separate/determine which part of this tufty thing is the seed and which is just chaff? I've an envelope full of 'seeds' but I know the bulk of it is chaff and can't figure out how to get at just the seed :>}

Any advice would be great!! Thank you O Seedy Ones!

J

The whole seedhead can contain seeds, but some of them are empty.
The seeds must be thick and hard.
See http://www.theseedbasket.com/?attachment_id=1659

Jonna

Jonna,

Thank you for the link and photos. The 'seeds' I have are thick, and hard, but they also have a blueish 'husk' that I assumed was just chaff that should come off. Overall they must be 1/2" long. Would you just seed that whole thing?

Jennifer

Jennifer, if the seeds are still blueish, the seed is not ripe yet. The blueish must turn brown completely and must be loose. The seeds (with chaff) must fall in your hand if you touch them. Than you can collect them. If they are still hard at that time you can choose to sow the seeds with the chaff, or remove the chaff, which is better.
Removing the chaff will prohibit the seeds getting mouldy.

Jonna