Saving Seed

[paul]

Hi folks,

I have fennel which has flowered and also some broad beans that I would like to keep the seeds / beans for growing next year. How do i do it and how do i know when the fennel flower is ready to keep for next year ??

Cheers

[stanhol]

Try the real seeds uk web site. Loads of excellant seed saving advice.

Good luck,
Sandra

[Lesley Jay]

Paul to save broad bean seeds you need to leave the pods on the plant until they are fully matured and the pods are dry and have turned dark brown. With all this rain you will need to spread the pods out after picking them to let the pods dry properly. Then shell the beans and again spread the beans out on a tray to fully dry before storing them. I tap the beans against one another and when they are properly dry the beans sound hollow when you tap them.

With fennel wait until the seeds are fully formed on the flower head, then cut the seed head off and rub between your hands to release the seeds. Again the seed head needs to be dry so if it's wet with rain leave the complete seed head somewhere to properly dry before rubbing between your hands.

Remember to label the envelopes that you put the seeds in and store them somewhere cool and dry.

[malcolmx]

broad bean pods go black when seed is ready for harvest store in paper envelops in an air tight tin . I force myself to buy chocolate biscuits just to get the tins

[paul]

Thanks for the advie all. Much appreciated.

cheers