Can you pick seed pods before they dry?
Technically you can pick them as soon as the seeds are mature, which is before they are fully dry. But the problem is that exactly when that is can be very difficult to judge, so it’s safest just to wait until they dry, as they will definitely be mature then. Ziplock bags, freezer bags and other plastic containers are also great options. If you are planning on keeping your seeds in their paper envelopes for organization, it is especially important to keep them dry as the paper of the envelope can absorb water and impart that to the seeds.Store your seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Exposure to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit will greatly decrease the viability of your seed for future planting seasons. Seeds can be stored in sealed containers, plastic bags, and wax or paper envelopes.Glass jars, metal containers, or wire mesh can further protect seeds from invaders. Other good options for storing seeds include plastic pill bottles or ziploc bags. However, it can be good to give seeds a little breathing room if possible for you.Once you’ve harvested the seeds out of the pods, you want to make sure that they’re exceptionally dry before you store them long term. The best way would be in a paper bag or a mesh bag in a in a cool, dark, and dry space.
What are the methods of seed drying?
You can dry your seed by employing natural sun drying, forced air drying, and chemical drying methods. Forced air drying as known as mechanical drying, is the often employed in seed drying. Dry the seeds in a dehydrator at 115°–120°F until crisp or in the oven at 150°F for 1–2 hours, stirring frequently.Seeds are meant to germinate when they’re moist, and hibernate when they’re dry. That’s why it’s important to dry your seeds after you harvest them. Open-air drying is the best way, and there are several methods for creating just the right conditions for perfect seed drying, using ordinary household items.If you are collecting seeds from non-fruiting plants, gather the seeds on a dry day. Spread the seeds on newspapers, in a cardboard box, or in an old telephone directory, and allow them to dry between one and three weeks. Often seeds need to be separated from the chaff (the seed casings and debris).In all cases, seeds have to be spread out and dried in open air before they can be safely stored. Many seed savers have discovered this the hard way. Bean seeds, freshly harvested, seem dry to the touch but if you put them in a sealed jar or plastic bag they soon turn mouldy because they aren’t really dry inside.
How long should you dry seeds before storing them?
Spread the seeds on newspapers, in a cardboard box, or in an old telephone directory, and allow them to dry between one and three weeks. Often seeds need to be separated from the chaff (the seed casings and debris). Seeds that have been stored in a cool, dry place are generally viable for at least a year past the season for which they were packaged and may be good for up to five years.
How to tell if seeds are ready to harvest?
The ideal timing for seed harvest is when the pods have just started to split open; it is much easier to separate the seed from the down at this stage. However, the seed should be fully dried before planting. Store your seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them. Pick seed pods promptly after—not before—they fully mature and dry on the plants. They won’t ripen further after the plants are picked.The best time to harvest the seed is when the pods are starting to go pale brown. It doesnt matter if the pods still have some green, but the seed will have better germination if it is mature. Poppies for example can be harvested when pale green and still give good viable seed.