seed harvesting

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FarmerLu Plymouth Meeting, PA Jul 26, 2008

Just wondering what anyone can offer in the way of seed harvesting. I'm growing basil, cilantro, and other herbs but am not sure what to do with the flowers to get seeds. Thanks!

Post #5324104
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vbab Cedar Springs, MI Jul 29, 2008

No expert here, but I usually wait until the plant goes to seed and the seed pods have dried, then pick them off and collect the seed. If you want to capture all the seed you would want to wait until the plant goes to seed and maybe cover each developing seed cluster with a small muslin bag tied at the bottom or something similar to catch the seed as they drop. Good luck.

Post #5338036
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FarmerLu Plymouth Meeting, PA Aug 07, 2008

Thanks for the reply. When you talk about the plant going to seed, do you mean that the flowers open and the pistils(if I'm using the right word) have small black ends, these are the seeds for most herbs? Thanks again.

Post #5382728
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DanceyTx Midway, TX(Zone 8b) Aug 07, 2008

FarmerLu check out this link. It should show you in detail how to harvest cilantro seeds. I hope the link works. Lin

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/191_harvesting-cilantro.htm

Post #5382912
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vbab Cedar Springs, MI Aug 09, 2008

FarmerLu, it looks like you are on your way--thanks, DanceyTx. When a plant goes to seed the flower petals drop off and the base usually forms a seed pod of sorts. You don't want to cover the flowers too soon as they need to be pollenated. However, if you wait too long the pods will release their seed and you won't get a good harvest. When the stalks start to dry that is a good indication that they are well on their way to producing seed.

Post #5392107
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