Seed saving

[mark1860]

Does anyone know when I can use the seed from this years crop? I planted some cabbage and chard last year (September), which I bought from realseeds.co.uk (heirloom variety). The cabbage is going to seed now and I'm sure the chard will soon. When would I be able to plant these seeds? Do I have to keep them for a year or could I plant them this year, so I have a winter crop in the greenhouse?

Many thanks

Mark

[snakeshack]

If they have dried out and ripened they can be planted straight away, although a couple of weeks in the fridge before planting may improve germination rate

[Scarlet]

I think by the time they have flowered and set seed you will have lost most of your planting window/growing time. Remember that chard crosses with any of the beet family and that cabbage unless isolated will cross with any other brassicas within a mile, kale, cauli, brussels etc.

http://www.realseeds.co.uk/brassicaseedprocessing.html

[Scarlet]

I often let my chard flower to save seed, it's not usually dry until end of Sept, early Oct.

[Scarlet]

If you like to save seed, you could join one of our seed saving circles this year? It's a great way to get a few different varieties without spending pounds. You can notch up a few more posts along the way

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...6-a_88237.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...cle_88124.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...6-a_88254.html