Collecting seed - calabrese

[tootles]

I have let a couple of sideshoots flower, with the intention of collecting the seeds. Some of the flowers have dies off, leaving a small pod behind. How long should I leave said pod before collecting? I am pretty sure that the plants were an F1 (arcadia) I know that the seed won't be quite the same as the current plant - but what am I likely to get?????

[Two_Sheds]

you are likely to get nothing useful.

Brassicas will cross with each other, and with wild (weed) brassicas like Charlock & Radish, too.

Save your own peas & beans, but don't bother with brassicas.

[Flummery]

Peas and beans are called inbreeders because they breed with themselves (not each other!) They are self fertile.
Brassicas are outbreeders. They breed with each other and there are LOTS of them out there. For the sake of experiment you might like to grow on a few of your seeds - wait till the pod is crisp and begins to shatter and take out the seeds. However, they are likely to be rather coarse and not a recognisable variety. I'd probably still give it a go though - but then, I'm like that!

[tootles]

I will give it a go - i'm like that too!!

[Flummery]

Well, that's at least 2 of us!

[lynda66]

so could you get a cross between a cauli and broccoli? cos that sounds pretty good to me, i was hoping to save seeds from as much as possible this year, especially the yummy ones, as i read somewhere, that you are best keeping the ones that do well, as they are right for your conditions (or something like that lol)

i'd give it a go too, cos i'm like that as well, .......makes 3 of us

[tootles]

Would that make us innovative and experimental, or just tight???!!

[Two_Sheds]

so could you get a cross between a cauli and broccoli?

yes, if you isolate the parent plants from all pollinating insects (including flies) and pollinate them yourself

[shirlthegirl43]

Hmm, I left a Hungry Gap kale plant to flower and it now has seed pods. No other brassicas nearby as I am the only one in the row that grows veggies in the back garden. What are the chances of it being true?

[lynda66]

yes, if you isolate the parent plants from all pollinating insects (including flies) and pollinate them yourself

ooooooo how exciting ...... i'm gonna cover up a couple and try that ...... 2 veg for the price of one

[MaureenHall]

Think you can put the total up to 4 "Have-a-go-Mo" that's me

[Snadger]

Last year I saved seed from my best Brussel Sprout plant. I mentioned it on the vine and was met with doom and gloom. Apparently even if the parent plant is not an F1 Hybrid you need to have six plants to form a viable gene pool!

I didn't have six, I had one and against all odds I now have some rather smashing looking brussel sprouts plants growing! I had nigh on 100% germination (I put that down to fresh seed)
I am also growing an F1 hybrid variety in case everything went pear shaped.

Both were sown on the same day and I must admit, the plants grown from my own seed look a lot better than the F1's!

Time will tell I suppose, but I say go for it, as it's these little experiments that make life a little bit interesting! If mine turn out ok I still have loads of seed left and shall grow them next year as well!

Anyway I think the name 'Tootles Calabrese' has a certain ring to it!

[tootles]

Well I have cauli (snowball), Sprouts and cabbage (minicole) nearby - so we shall see!

[Snadger]

Well I have cauli (snowball), Sprouts and cabbage (minicole) nearby - so we shall see!

As long as they aren't flowering at the same time you shouldn't finish up with some weird hybrid like a sprout plant with tiny cauli florets instead of sprouts or a 3 foot sprout plant with a cauli on the top or a............the mind boggles...

[tootles]

I suppose not! Shame though!!