Paddy,
The mix is a good way to start with semp seed handling to get your feet wet. You obviously have that end of the process going well.
Are you sure your seed is RIPE? The stalks should be DRY or nearly so before you harvest. Even my earliest bloomers aren't ready here. You want to make sure the seed is fully mature although the first flowers might give a few mature seeds, you will lose the rest. I normally don't harvest any stalks before late September here in Oregon. They are then put in paper bags to finish the drying process in the garage. In late November, a quick squeeze of the bag and the seed is released and can be decanted over a sheet of paper. The seed are stored in glassine envelopes in the crisper area of the refrigerator until planting in February or March.
Hope that helps!
Kevin
