Interested in your opinions/experience or if anyone has a definitive answer on:
-Whether or not seed, collected from a plant that's been knocked out by frost, will still be viable next season? This is with the understanding, of course, that the seeds are dry when collected; and that the seedhead or pod isn't all mushy and it's had time to thoroughly dry on the plant, even though the plant itself is a gonner. ?:|
gardenz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "The tools of conquest do not necessarily come with bombs and explosions and fallout. There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, prejudices. To be found only in the minds of men. For the record, prejudices can kill, and suspicion can destroy, and the frightened, thoughtless search for a scapegoat has a fallout all of its own: for the children, and the children yet unborn." Blogs: OurGardenEarth GardenzOwn
Posts: 2509 | Location: Linda in N.J./Zones 7 & "Twilight" | Registered: February 11, 2002
<Anonymous>
Posted
Gardenz,
It depends on the plant. Some that I've had WON'T germinate unless they've been exposed to freezing temps. Some others don't care either way. The most problem I've had is with seeds that haven't been "frostbitten" not sprouting.
All of plants in my area get froze at the end of the growing season after their seeds have formed and dried naturally on the plant. Mother Nature has a plan and if these are native plants, some of them will self-seed for next year. Even if they aren't natives, they may occur naturally in the same zone and hardiness as I have here and I always come up with volunteers every year. I think that most plant seeds are going to be ok even if they are froze before picking them. They may even need the freeze to germinate properly. Good Luck with your seeds! Jane
My experience has been that if the seed has matured naturally, and is just hanging onto the plant, it should be fine. If it hasn't had time to fully develop you might have a problem, but from the sounds of it I don't think it should be an issue. I didn't take my tobacco seeds until a couple frosts had hit the plants last year and my seed did just fine.
