Setting Seed

[tropicalken]

Charlie says that the majority of seed set is done in the cooler months. What months may work on plants that are outside? It seems that pollen is not released from the flower when the weather is cool. Have any people on the forum set seed outside in California during our winter? Any tips?

[Charlie]

It'a a challenge, Ken. Most success will come in late fall or early spring. If you can keep the pollinated plant in a shady location for the first 10 days after pollinating it has a better chance. Once the pod has set, it can usually finish up even if the weather turns hot.

Charlie

[Merkity]

I have noticed the same thing. if the pollen doesn't get enough heat it didn't open at all for me. right now most of mine are now dormant or close to it.  any flowers that do bloom are deformed and the pollen may not open.  I think sept/oct would have been the perfect time to set some seeds - but with the early dark time, i couldn't do it.  I am going to try using a sun shade for them next summer, hopefully that will help with the dehydration and pod drop that I was seeing.

i do actually have a couple seed pods going on my plants - it will interesting to see when exactly they open.  I had a flower last year that was about 3/4 developed when the plant went dormant.  once the plant woke up again, that flower did bloom but it sure was funny looking.  

need a greenhouse...yep...right after everything else i need to buy first....