Gone to seed
In my garden, the larkspur has gone to seed.
The foliage is browning and the spider mites are moving in. Time to pull 'em up!
The pods are starting to open to scatter the seeds within. Before I pulled up the spent plants, I ran my gloved hand along the stems to collect the pods and seeds.
The seeds are lined up in two neat rows inside each pod. Even the tiniest pod has at least a dozen seeds; the larger pods, three or four dozen.
I then began the task of separating the seeds from the pods. (Those with climate-controlled space and patience can hang the pods in paper or net bags and let the pods open and release the seeds naturally.)
A standard kitchen strainer is helpful in separating the large plant material from the seeds.
The end result is a nice collection of larkspur seeds to keep for planting next year, or passing along to friends (that's how I got my seeds!)
Words and photos © 2009-2012 Caroline Homer for "The Shovel-Ready Garden". Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
That's a decent amount of seed. Great step-by-step pictures.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd taken a photo of pulling the pods off the stems!
DeleteWow, that's an impressive haul of larkspur seeds. Good tip using the strainer. I like it!
ReplyDeleteMesh strainers are too fine to let the seeds drop through -- the old-fashioned type with holes works great!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWould it be ok if I make mention of your blog on my garden club blog? I would like for the garden club members to see your notes on larkspur seed collection. Thanks, Bev Colquett
monroevillegardenclub.blogspot.com
Why of course, Bev.
DeleteThanks!
DeleteYou got a lot of seeds there. That's a good idea for separating them from the pods.
ReplyDeleteThey won't last long! I'll pass along most and scatter the rest.
DeleteI just wrapped up this chore too. For the last few weeks, I've been enjoying the rattling sound the dried seeds make when you brush by in the garden. Very festive, like a maraca!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed! I meant to mention this in my post and completely forgot -- thanks!
DeleteThanks for the how-to. My larkspur just started blooming ( I know - strange), but I'll be using your method in a few weeks. Right now mine are too close to the chicken yard, and they are poisonous to chickens, so need to relocate.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea larkspur were poisonous. So many lovely flowers are, it seems. I planted some larkspur in March on the east side of the house and they surprised me by blooming early this month, so I'll have more seeds to collect soon!
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