Instructions for Donating Seed
to the Seed Counter
The value of the Seed Counter depends directly on the diversity and the
quality of seeds we offer to members. Please consider donating seed to
the Seed Counter. Following are guidelines for collecting and processing
seed.
- Ideally, seed should be collected just before or just after the seed
cones begin to open.
- Let the seed cones dry in a well-ventilated location. Over a few days,
they will open fully to reveal their bright orange or red seeds.
- Remove the seeds from the seed cones and place them in bowls of
cold water for 1 - 3 days to soften the outer seed coat. Once softened,
remove the outer seed coats and wash the seeds in mild, soapy water to
clean off the oily residue. A kitchen collander or large tea strainer
is very useful for washing and rinsing seed.
- Let the seed dry overnight at room temperature on paper towels.
Then place them in a sealable plastic bag with a little moist peatmoss
(Spaghnum). Note: Do not store the seeds dry as they rapidly lose viability
under those conditions. Place in the refrigerator until you are ready
to mail them. Be sure to keep each seed batch labelled and separate from
others to avoid confusion and accidental mixing.
- Ideally, try to send 200 - 400 seeds per collection. Smaller batches
are valuable also, but can not be placed on the distribution list because
demand will so outstrip supply, that nearly everyone will be disappointed.
Such small seed batches are sent out as 'bonus' seeds with regular
seed orders.
- Please include information about the plant from which you collected
the seeds. A precise identity is required, but age, size and anything
unusual about it will also be very useful. In addition, mention whether
there are nearby plants that flower at the same time with which it might
have been crossed.
- Before January 1st, mail the seeds to the address below:
Stefan Cover
Entomology Department
MCZ - 26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
USA
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