First more details- Planted 8-10, Black Russian Variety from the ECHO seed bank, Ft. Myers in early May. All but one sprouted and grew well. They reached about 3-4 feet. Blossums about 8" in diameter.
Now they're bowing their heads. The yellow petals are falling.
In theory, this is when you just let them sit as they dry out. The seeds, in the center hidden under all the pollen and fun stuff the bees love, will swell but will eventually dry out and will slide out as you pick at them lightly.
However, in my earlier post, I explained I had tried these in a planter that catches the run off from a flat roof. They have been a lovely site out the back window. But, if you live in South Florida with me, you know we're getting at least a little rain every day. It's September, that's what happens. So today I inspected the heads of forming seeds. At least two look to be overcome with mildew. I will wait it out and see how it turns out.
Also I am going to plant additional 8-10 tomorrow. I'm thinking the rainy season of the month with allow for good growth. But the dry season should be taking over, just as the heads bow down and want to dry out. We'll see.
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more of an update-
ReplyDeleteI've cut the heads off to let them dry out off the stalks. Some ants were thinking it was their home, they've been evicted now. The heads have been brought inside to save them from this storm.
We've already cracked open several seeds. Everyone likes them.