Using Ripe Fruits
Collecting seeds is one of our many activities after the rains. Collecting them from ripe or overripe fruits produces more viable seeds than unripe or artificially ripened ones. Additionally, seeds with little or no pulp are easier to extract and dry for storage. For example, citrus seeds are easy to extract and dry because they have no fleshy coat surrounding them. However, they start germinating within the fruit itself. Therefore, such seeds should be planted immediately, as drying will kill the sprouting embryo.
Easily Collected Seeds
However, we do not sell citrus tree seeds because numerous citrus varieties cross-pollinate, producing trees that may not bear the desired fruit as produced by the parent plant. We collect the citrus fruits to plant rootstocks for grafting the desired citrus variety or as part of our experiments to create new citrus varieties.
Furthermore, most herbs and spices, such as beans, Egyptian spinach, Amaranthus, leeks, and fennel, are collected after the pods dry naturally. Unfortunately, these seeds can easily become mouldy in humid or wet weather. Therefore, it is advisable to collect them after a prolonged dry spell.
Washing Fleshy Seeds
Fruits with pulp tightly attached to seeds may delay drying, creating opportunities for mould, reducing shelf life, and lowering viability. Such seeds are best processed by washing and lightly rubbing against fabric to expose them. This helps the seeds dry quickly in semi-shade and increases germination rates. For instance, tree tomato, tomatillo, cape gooseberry, Malabar spinach, and granadilla seeds are prepared by washing to remove the fleshy pulp around them. Dry the seeds for the shortest time possible.
In conclusion, collecting seeds from ripe fruits post-rain is vital for viability. Seeds from herbs and spices are best harvested when pods dry naturally, avoiding mould from humidity. Fleshy seeds should be washed and rubbed to facilitate drying, enhancing germination rates. Quick drying is essential for optimal storage and longevity of the seeds.
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