First question: I have some sweet cherry seeds in the freezer. Was I suppose to do something to them before putting them in the freezer? And, how long do they need to be there before I plant them? Can I leave them there till spring?

Second question (maybe I should say questions): How do I get green bunching onions to go to seed? They are currently in a pot (half barrel liner)outside.

Thanks in advance;

animalfarms

-- animalfarms (In) (jwlewis@indy.net), September 12, 2000

Answers

i know alittle about seeds, i use to work for a large nursery. as far as seeds go if you can make them think they are in the wild the better they do, i would keep them in the fridge 1st that is alittle better then freezing them and sow when you can work the ground march in the north east. some seeds w/ a hard shell do better if you take a knife and nick the shell a little, seeds that go through a bird in the way of being food germinate better, the acid breaks down the shell.

are the cherries grafts? if so you may not get a "true" plant,it could be the understock. alot of people graft fruit or do it by cuttings. alot of understock has thorns that is one thing to look for.

not sure about the onions i would think once the flower dries the seeds could be gathered. i would wrap the flowers w/ a piece of stocking to make collecting easier. if you need help just ask..

-- renee oneill (oneillsr@home.com), September 12, 2000.

How do I get them to flower? Do I leave them in the pot over the winter, or do I pull them after a good frost (store) & replant in spring? I'm asooming it takes 2 years to get a flower. If not then maybe I just planted too late to get any flowers. Is there anything I need to do to help them get flowers (or survive the winter)?

animalfarms

-- animalfarms (jwlewis@indy.net), September 13, 2000.

i would think the life cycle of an onion could not be real long, i would wait alittle longer and see if they bloom soon, shorter days may help trigger them to seed. some plants will seed more and more quickly if they are stressed alittle to.in a drought an oak will produce more acorns that are viable to help protect its self. maybe water less, or slightly mess w/ their roots.

-- renee oneill (oneillsr@home.com), September 13, 2000.