I've never done this before so I'm not sure how many seeds to send someone. Someone sent me a SASBE for 3 kinds of hardy hibsicus seeds. I like the SASBE, simple way to do things. My question is what's a normal amount of seeds to send? I'm thinking maybe 5 of each kind? 10 of each?
Question how many seeds?
If the seeds are large or rare 5-10, if they a small a 1/4 off a teaspoon, or just agree privately how many off each.
thank you, that's about what i thought.
Annette is probably right about expectations, but I can guarantee you I won't be sending anyone a quarter teaspoon of seeds that are as tiny as sand. As for larger seeds, I'd send 10-15, depending on how hard they are to harvest and clean.
I usually send 10, 12 actually in case I miss count, 5 if they are uncommon or I just plain don't have that many to share. For teeny tiny, about enough to cover half a postage stamp.
X
That sounds fair to me. When you consider how many seeds are in a quarter teaspoon, if the seeds are small like sand, it is more than you'd need if you were filling city flower beds! I tend to offer more seeds if I have a lot and less if I have fewer, but I try to be fair. I try to remove all chaff, but there are some tiny seeds that make it very difficult, so I have to allow for that.
I am having difficulty removing chaff from very fine seeds like yarrow. Anyone have a technique to share for that?
If you are sending for SASBE you are not restricted at all. Go are basically gifting. If you are trading, it's easiest to just agree in advance. Sometime 5-6 seeds are excellent - with most seeds all you need is enough germination to produce one plant and the person has a lifetime supply!!!
Chaf can be an issue with some people, but I usually won't trade with those folks. With most seeds, you can break the pods (or whatever) into a small bowl, and just blow on them. Most of the chaf will blow off and you are good to go. I actually like to send my collected seeds in their pods. I figure if they come with their own packaging, why not use it! LOL! besides, it then helps the recipient know what they are looking for when they go to collect their seeds next season. I have had more people tell me how much fun it was receiving a pod of seeds.
Basically, I think it's all about communication...and having fun!
happy gardening!
OK, so I will remember not to send you any fern-leafed yarrow. It is impossible to separate the chaff from the microscopic seeds.... LOL
I think you misread my post...try again!
For separating chaff from seeds, if the seeds are big enough not to fall through a strainer hole, I'll dump the lot in a strainers and gently shake it from side to side then blow on it and the chaff flies away, usually up your nose if you happen to take a breath at the wrong moment. For teeny tiny's I stick them in a plastic portion cup, put the lid on it and shake it up and down then blow on it.
For seeds like datura where the chaff won't come off easily, I just pick it off when I'm ready to send some out. Personally, I don't care about chaff.
X
I use a hair dryer, on cold, the lowest setting and hold it quite far away. Once you get the hang of it, it's way easier than blowing by mouth. If the chaff is not leaving, you can move it a little closer, if it stirs everything up, then move it back a bit. Also, I put my seeds on a serving tray to glean them, I really think there's less chance of losing them than if you try blowing into a cup, or container with high sides. The chaff can just blow "off" the seeds rather than having to come up and over a cup rim.
X - you are so right. no matter how much I try - I do end up with the sneezys! And that is SOOOO not-helpful! LOL!
I agree, what's a little chaf amongst friends!
dlp - wish you coulda been here when I tried the hairdryer. (Note to self: Do not use a propfessional hair dryer for chaf-removal!) Sheesh - sometimes we DO grow up without getting alot wiser. ~:-)
I have to say, all the yarrow seed I've received in trade has some chaff, and I understand why. I've tried gently blowing the chaff off, but lose it all in the process. I use a mesh tea ball for most of the really tiny seeds, but the powdery ones are almost impossible to separate. Pyrola seed is a fine yellow powder, and I think it would honestly be easier to plant it with a little chaff. If I do manage to separate it, I often add a bit of sand so it won't adhere to the inside of the packaging. In the case of those tiny seeds, I always use glasine bags, not plastic, or you'll never get the seed out of the bag!
Where do you find the glasine baggies? They are my favorites and are the hardest to fiind.
I agree on those time little buggers, the chaf actually helps. They can drive a girl crazy...and some of us just don't have too far to go!
Here's where I got mine: http://www.papermart.com/templates/search.asp Since I use them as inner liners for my trade seed packets, I go through a lot of them.
Sequee, I know it's a short trip for me, no transportation needed!
So a little chaf is ok, but I'm getting the idea that little zip bags are not? That's what I have on hand and have usually saved my seeds in. I'm just now preparing seeds for my first trades (or actually, postage).
Zip bags work great for many types of seeds! Very teeny seeds will cling electrostatically to the plastic, however, and be almost impossible to get out of a zip bag. Also, with plastic you have to be certain that your seeds are dry enough before storing them... With a larger seed, try to break it (pinch between fingernails & bend)... if it bends rather than breaking, it is not yet dry enough. I let my seeds sit out a couple of weeks longer after I think they are "dry enough" just to be sure, and I haven't had any trouble with mold etc. If you're storing seeds that are still in their pods, I think it's harder to be sure they're dry enough, and I'd suggest putting them in paper or glassine rather than plastic.
Thank you, critterologist. Will do.
I have been using my vegetable dryer, set on the lowest setting (95*) to dry out seed pods. So far it is doing really well. I put the seeds between layers of paper towels so they won't blow away though.
I've been told that temperatures over 84 or 85 degrees can kill seeds. So, I don't use my dehydrator.
I just leave seed pods sitting around in bowls or on paper plates... With pods that will burst open when fully ripe, a folded-down paper bag or vented closed container works well
Yes, Critter, those exploding seeds can cause quite a racket! I put my viola pods in a bowl covered with a piece of paper, and you can hear them bouncing off the paper like little drums from several feet away! Hardy cranesbill are the same way. We have a cathedral ceiling and beams that are about 8 feet overhead, so it's a great place to stash open containers of seeds that need a long drying period, such as nasturtium.
Can you take seeds off plants before they are dry, then dry them? I'm new at this and need to look it up. I have several plants that have seed pods. K~
In my experience, it is better to let them ripen on the plant so that you are sure they are fully mature. In the case of seed pods that burst open when ripe, I harvest them a bit early so they don't empty their seeds before I get to them. That is true with violas (pansies) and the hardy cranesbill, and some others I can't recall at the moment. If I absolutely have to harvest seed pods before they are ripe, I cut the stem, as well, and put them in a vase to dry out at their own rate. I'm not sure if that is as good as leaving them on the live plant, but sometimes it is necessary.
I could try that...thanks.
I agree with Weez. I don't do it unless I absolutely must - some will not ripen once they've been cut, they will just rot or dry up. If I must take 'em before their time, I take the stem, the stalk, a clump - whatever, and put the whole mess in a paper bag in a cool, dry place and just let them be to dry out at their pace. Usually works.
re: "over 84 or 85 degrees can kill seeds"
If that were true then nothing would grow in Colorado.
84-85? Ha, our day temp is 90+ for months at a time, occasionally going over 100. Some nights around 84. There wouldn't be a plant growing around here.
So, is using a dehydrator to dry seeds ok?
I only run it for a couple of hours at a time, as I am a bit paranoid about leaving it running while I am at work. It is no worse than a breezy hot day outdoors.
Personally I'd be afraid to do it. I mean - why??? If it could possibly be damaging?? It's not like seeds are that hard to dry, so is it really worth the risk?
Signed: Ms. Cowardly Lion!!!