|
| I have grown lots of things from seed I have harvested myself, but this one has never worked for me.
Because they are too small to see, maybe I am losing the seed? just wondering, any idea's will be appreciated...Yvette |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| I was going to ask the same question but you beat me to it. How small are the seeds? Are they about the same size as begonia seeds? I noticed quite a bit of "dust" particles coming from the dried astilbe flowers... Are those the seeds? Jeff |
|
| I need help too! I don't know how to harvest the seeds, though I do know the seeds are tiny. Would really appreciate advice. |
|
- Posted by gardenweed_z6a 5b/6a N CT (My Page) on Sun, Aug 7, 11 at 19:28
| Wow - I get to answer three of you at once! I wait until the astilbe flower heads are completely dry, towards the end of August/early September. I cut the entire stems below the flowers and place them upside down in a paper bag. I clip the bag to a shelf unit inside my garage and leave the bag open so they can finish drying. After a month or so I crush the dried flower stalks. The seeds are, as one of you said, as tiny as dust motes. When it comes time to sow them, I just sow seeds, chaff & all. I winter sow the seeds and am growing some healthy-looking seedlings at the moment. The seeds don't need cold stratification according to my notes but Swallowtail Garden Seeds website says if they don't germinate after 4-5 weeks at 65-70 degrees, put them in the refrigerator for 4 weeks, then set them out in 65-70 degree temps again. Winter sowing is much less complicated than that--just sow the seeds/chaff in recycled containers, stick the containers out in the snow and ignore them until spring. From my observations, astilbe (like many shade lovers) grows very s-l-o-w-l-y from seed and won't bloom until it reaches maturity so division is the best way to get mature plants that will bloom a year or two after being divided. |
|
- Posted by yvette_adams z5 Quebec (adams_yvette2000@hotmail.com) on Mon, Aug 8, 11 at 15:14
| thanks a ton! |
|
| Thank you!! I have some to trade, as I don't need seedlings, but didn't know how to harvest. This helps a lot : ) |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Seed Saving Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.