Here are some photos of the hang tags (fluorescent merchandise string tags) in place on developing seed pods. I like to use the highly visible fluorescent tags as they can easily be seen later in the season as pods develop. I find the plain white much harder to spot as leaves yellow and flop. The merchandise hang tags are available at any office supply store although usually in white only. I do special order the bright fluorescent tags but the office supply store is happy to accomodate.
Merchandise Hang Tags
Seed Pods with tags
Below is a single pod with hang tag. I like to cinch the tag between the spathe and the ovary. This keeps the tag from sliding down the stem to the ground where it is much harder to spot.
Single pod with tag
This is a photo of the tube gauze “sock” that I use to protect the seed from falling on the ground. Most useful if I’m going to be away for a few days when the seed are ready to be collected. I tie a knot in one end of the tube gauze, loosen the string around the neck, slide on the open end of the tube gauze, and re-cinch the string around the bottom of the gauze. This makes a sack which keeps the seed together and not scattering all over.
Pod with tube gauze “sock”
The socks or tube gauze sacks are usually in place for only a week or two. If the weather is rainy or windy I use a thin bamboo stake (stuck in the ground away from the bulb) angled to cross the stem at the developing pod. The hang tag is wrapped around the bamboo stake as well. This supports the gauze tube which can become heavier when rain soaked and helps support the pod and keeps the stem from breakage. I only bother with this if the weather is miserable.
Steve