simple question about seeds...

[jgh]

Hi, all... not around much lately... I do drop in to make sure everybody is ok...

I've grown lots of hostas but haven't done much with seeds other than growing lots of volunteers. So... walked by my Galaxy the other day after the first snow and noticed a couple of flower stalks still standing. Brought them inside, and I'm just cleaning them... don't know if any of these seeds will be viable...

but forgive me if this is a stupid question, but the seeds are the black "flakes", right? And if they have an embryo, they'll be a little plumped? So what in the heck are all the little black dot things in the pods?

Sorry for the technical jargon...

[party_music50]

lol! I had to think awhile about your 'dots' question. I think you're asking about the little specks that connect the seeds (germ) to the interior vein of the pod. hmmm... I guess they'd be the equivalent of an umbilical cord. lol! in technical jargon, of course. ;^)

[R. Rock]

Hello,
That is a great explanation of the "dots"/specks.

[jgh]

thanks!

umbilical cords, huh??? so... should I be storing them cryogenically in case of some stem-cell needs in the future...

[ViolaAnn]

Sounds like a good explanation above. Wow! Seeds from 'Galaxy'. I hope you get some nice babies from them.

[GrannyNanny]

Jim -- I've always just assumed that the black dots were undeveloped seeds, but maybe not. Anyhow, yes -- the black "fly wing looking" things are the seeds, and if they have a good lump at one end, they should be viable. Many just have the papery black stuff but no viable embryo, but if there's a lump, you should be in business. Phyllis

[kitgary]

Good luck with your Galaxy seeds. If you decide not to plant them yet they will keep nicely in the freezer. We put our seeds in sealed, marked coin envelopes into a plastic bag. They don't take up much room that way and they are easy to get at when we are ready to plant more.

Gary

[ViolaAnn]

I know that hosta seeds will keep in the freezer, but does it improve germination if they are given time in the freezer? I generally don't get around to putting them in the freezer.