My gazanias are going to seed, and looks like I'll have plenty - but how do you separate them from the fluff? Thanks in advance to those who know.

I have no idea however I'd love some seeds for these.

I have found that gazania does not make many viable seeds.

Do you have a packet of commercial seeds that you can compare a viable seed too? I've received some in trade and all they are is fluff and no seeds.

I believe I have a packet here that I could send you a photo of what a viable seed should look like.

It could be that in your zone they will produce viable seeds but here in Massachusetts, I think I've only gotten one or two viable seeds out of the several times I've grown them.

ishareflowers said: I have found that gazania does not make many viable seeds.

Do you have a packet of commercial seeds that you can compare a viable seed too? I've received some in trade and all they are is fluff and no seeds.

I believe I have a packet here that I could send you a photo of what a viable seed should look like.

It could be that in your zone they will produce viable seeds but here in Massachusetts, I think I've only gotten one or two viable seeds out of the several times I've grown them.

I'd like a picture

Commercial Gazania seeds are often "rubbed", which removes the fine white fuzzies that help them travel once released naturally. The seeds will germinate with or without them.

Like Poisondart said, the seeds are rubbed and the fluff removed when purchased commercially.

The seeds that I have received in trade in the past are not a bit plump like commercial seeds because they never fully developed.

I've never received a gazania in trade that was a viable seed UNLESS it was commercial.

The same goes for stokes aster seeds. I traded for them several times over the years with zero germination. I finally purchased a pack and realized that what one would think is the seed isn't. I've posted photos of these before here on this site to show others the difference. It's very similar to the Gazania, no plumpness means it's not viable.

I have my Granddaughter all day today but I'll try to pop in when she naps.

I had the same problem with Gerber Daisy seeds. I read that they have to be cross pollinated by hand to get viable seeds.

Sphagneticola trilobata aka bay biscayne creeper is the same. Very few seeds are ever produced by the plant. I have like 3 seeds. Lol. I was able to start a cutting though, so I will hunt for more

Hmm, okay, I will try to look at the collected gazania seeds I have packaged up and make a decision as to whether to keep them on my list or remove them.

Lisa the Stokesia seeds I got from you in last year's swap germinated nicely. That didn't stop slugs from eating them, but I have some seeds left. I will guard them better this time. Morton's comes to mind for some reason.

@poisondartfrog , I now know what to collect as viable seeds. I would guess in my plants 80% are junk.

@kywheeler gazania seed should be a bit plumper than the fluff attached. When I traded I would get a piece of fluff with a tan end that was almost the same thickness. Nada.

When I bought commercial seeds, I realized they were junk.

ishareflowers said:
The same goes for stokes aster seeds. I traded for them several times over the years with zero germination. I finally purchased a pack and realized that what one would think is the seed isn't. I've posted photos of these before here on this site to show others the difference. It's very similar to the Gazania, no plumpness means it's not viable.

I'm sorry your stokes aster trades failed to sprout. Here's my 2023 harvest, almost dry. 2022's are already listed and just as plump and mature as these. Sometimes it seems like a waste to winnow away those "seedlets" (if that's a word), but they're really no good. I guess I toss a cup of them for every Tbsp. of fat ones. Feed the birds!

Maggie, those look great!

So, I dug out my commercial gazania seeds for comparison to my gathered ones. I still can't separate out the fluff, but it does seem as if I have a combination of viable and unviable ones. What I did was reduce 5 offerings to 3, and made additional notes on my swap list. Chancy, maybe, but I do believe there are some viable seeds in the packs.

@kywheeler . I apologize for not pulling the seeds like I said I would.

My Mom got an infection that turned septic and she couldn't fight it. She passed away Friday.

My mind is everywhere.

I'm trying to keep up with the threads and comments but clearly slacking.

I'm glad you had some to compare and I'm sure the ones your offering will be just fine!

Aargh, Lisa, you have had a tough couple of years! I hope doing this swap is something you consider therapy, and not a tremendous burden. This is the only swap I play in, because you do such a great job with it, but having to deal currently with your mother's passing is a big one. If you need extra time, go ahead and adjust the dates - there isn't a swapper in this group who wouldn't understand.

If there is a plant that can be grown from seed that you would like to plant in your Mom's memory, let me know - if I have the seeds I will send them to you.

I'm so sorry Lisa to hear about your mother passing. Please don't worry about the swap. If you need to change it or even cancel we'll all understand. Just take care of yourself.

@ishareflowers - Dear Lisa, my heartfelt sympathies to you. I agree with suggestions from @kywheeler and @bxncbx. It's up to you if you feel hosting your swap will overwhelm or be a sweet diversion for you. 🥀 Take care.

A cancelation is definitely in order. My apologies.

Lisa!

I agree with kywheeler, Elena and Maggie.
Do what YOU need to do. We'll all be fine, no matter what you decide.