It’s that time of year. Collecting seed pods and trying to get them to dry a bit so they do not mold and keep them separated from other crosses. What do other breeders use?
I have used a box with dividers. Okay to go out and collect the pods but once the seeds dry and roll around they are a pain to get out of the box.
I have used egg cartons. They work but area a pain to get the loose seeds out without upsetting the whole carton.
I have used separate egg carton cups. (Cut out each individual egg cup) and insert them into a whole egg carton. Kind of a pain but works better than the above option.
My favorite is pill containers. The Multiple cell ones. My favorite holds a months worth of pills or 24 separate crosses. The problem is I only have one and could use many more. Picked mine up at Value Village.
Bill,
I us a simple method. I collect the seeds in a standard envelope where I write the cross on the front and the year. The paper envelope allows them to breath. But I only keep them there a couple of weeks then I plant them.
I used pill containers with holes drilled in them and they still succumbed to mold.
Clay
I see many mentions of moldy seeds. I have encountered that often in the past and have just planted the moldy seeds. They seem to have germinated fine.
Bill, I use #1 size coin envelopes (2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ or 5.7 x 8.9cm) which are available in most office supply stores. They are made from 28 lb. Kraft paper as are many of the larger mailing envelopes. They have a gummed flap. I write the cross number and parentage right on the envelope.
Steve
Bob,
I have the opposite experience. Moldy seeds do not germinate for me.
Clay