What is the best way to gather Balloon flower seeds?
by
Teresa A
+5
I have seed pods on the plant. Do they have to be completed dried on the plant before I harvest them?
6 answers
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The closer you can get to the natural conditions for seed dispersal, Teresa, the better, so, yes, completed dried is what you want to go for. Swallowtail Seeds has these recommendations for sowing: Sow balloon flower seeds in 2 inch pots or cell packs, press into soil but do not cover. Needs light to germinate. Kept at 65-70°F., germination is in21-30 days. Seedlings are fragile and must be handled with care. Transplant into the garden 1-1.5 feet apart.
Douglas Hunt
on Aug 13, 2013
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Dried is definitely the best, but you don't want to miss them either. You can take a piece of fine gauze and tie it around the plant, if the seeds release while your sleeping the gauze will collect them for you:)
Sensible Gardening and Living
on Aug 13, 2013
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I found this nifty info on Balloon flowers, check out this site: http://www.gardenguides.com/83528-harvest-balloon-plant-seeds.html
Catherine Smith
on Aug 13, 2013
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I have 3 different colors of balloon flowers, I never tried saving the seeds! I keep cutting the spent blooms so I'll get more flowers. I may try to save seeds now!
Peg
on Aug 14, 2013
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I deadhead the plant all summer, too. I just stopped to see if I could collect seeds this year. I have had this beautiful pink balloon flower for three summers. I cut most of my perennials to the ground after the first of second frost to avoid plant disease, fungi and insects hide-outs. I left it stand a while longer last year. The seed pods still seemed too moist, non opened. I finally cut it down. My plant is healthy, has grown and spread.I am just hoping to find out the best time to pick these pods and if anyone had any idea of how/when to harvest these.
Teresa A
on Aug 14, 2013
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My 3 different balloon flowers. Teresa, have you noticed that some flowers have 4 petals and others 5? In my pic below, the pink has 4 petals, others on the plant have 5. The same with some of my white and my blues ones.
Peg
on Aug 15, 2013
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