Hybrids/Sterile Seeds

I've been deadheading like crazy in hopes that I can start trading. I just read an article on heirloom seeds and it said that the offspring of some hybrids may be sterile. I know that some of my marigolds, impatience, and zinnias were hybrids. Do you think they will germinate? thanks, vic

Hi Vic,

If you dead head a plant it won't be able to set seeds. The seeds form at the base of the flowers. They must remain on the plants to mature and dry naturally.

Typically, the base of a flower will begin to swell after fertilization, the petals wither and dry, and then fall to the ground. The pod continues to grow and swell. When it's close to time for harvesting the pod will begin to turn a papery brown. Soon an opening(s) will develop on the top of the pod, it is through here that the ripe seeds will be released. When the pod is completely brown and dry more than likely the seeds are ready to harvest.

You can tell if the seeds are ready if the seeds release quite easily from the pods. Some may scatter or fall to the ground while you are harvesting. Keeping a large deep bowl under the pods while harvesting the seeds can help contain those that might be lost.

After you harvest your seeds let them sit in an open bowl or plate out of direct light for a few days, stir or fluff them every now and then. You want them to be totally bone dry before putting them into packets.

Poojer

poojer is right on the money with proper seed collecting tips. I've got another thread that will explain the hybrid/sterile thing.This is for veggies ,but flowers will have the same type info also.
Check this thread.

http://davesgarden.com/showthread/4058.html

Melody I think you out the wrong link in!

Yep, definitely the wrong link - it sent me to a greenhouse. But thanks to all for the info. I sat on the front porch today picking up impatience seeds on the floor of the porch with tweezers where they had fallen. So, are you saying that as I deadhead flowers, the only seeds that are viable are the ones that are in "the brown" stage. In other words, I deadhead marigolds as they die off and then put them in an aluminum roast pan and set in a south window to dry. But the are wet when I pick them. Will they not be good seed? Not to mention the fact that 2 out of 5 were hybrids so I'm wondering if they will bloom anyway. aaaahhhhh - I wish I knew more about what I'm doing. Thanks to all of you - vic

Hi Vic,

Perhaps I didn't word the instructions clearly enough. Sometimes, because of my experience, I can take what is obvious to me for granted, and that's not fair to someone who doesn't have a friend right there in the garden to show them "hands on" how to do it. So just to clarify:

Do not remove the flowers from the plant. You must leave them attached to the plant. It is only after the pods have turned papery brown while on the plant and are ready to release their seeds can you harvest seeds with an assurity of their ripeness.

It's best to wait for dry and sunny days to harvest seeds, you must also let the morning dew dry before you begin collecting seeds. Any dampness during the harvesting process may encourage molds to develop.

Good luck with your seeds, it's so very much easier than most people think to harvest seeds. You will rapidly get the hang of it. The only real tough part is having the patience to let Mother Nature do her thing on her own :-)

Smiles,

Poojer

Your instructions are perfect. It's just that I'm pretty much in the "Duh" department as far as what I'm doing :-) I appreciate your time and patience - vic

Don't say duh.....say "I'm in awe for the things I know I can now do".

:-) - vic

OK,let's try this again...I didn't check the link and should have.I left out a number.
Try this one.

http://davesgarden.com/showthread/49058.html

I'm sorta what ya'll would call 'cyber challenged' anyway.
Sorry about that folks!

Thanks Melody, good link with lots of useful information. I really appreciate it - Have a GREAT day - vic