Harvesting a Seedling
A seed is usually an early embryo enclosed within a thick layer of a thin film. The budding of a seed into a flower or a fruit is also part of the reproductive process in gymnosperm plants, such as the angiosperms and gymnosperms. A flower bud, also called a stamen, has many distinct layers and each of these layers has one or more pistil-like structures (petals) that are filled with sap. The entire process of turning a seed into a flower or fruit can be completed in less than four days.
The actual process of budding starts by turning the stem of a seed over. Then the topmost layer of stem material is cut away leaving the inside of the stem exposed. It is at this point that the plant will release the actual “seed“. The seed, now known as a “seedling” is fully grown and ready to bear fruit. In fact, most fruits are borne in the spring and fall.
When the stem of a seedling has fallen to the ground and the “seedling” has opened fully, it’s time to turn the plant over once more so that the lower stem is now exposed. The stem part should now be cut away to leave just the upper layer exposed for the next stage.
If there is more than one or two petals on a mature seed, then these petals will be separated from the rest of the flower and will form separate layers. The petal which contains the flower’s pollen will be turned over so that all of the flower petals come together forming a single, larger flower petal (propail) at the bottom of the fruit.
The “propsil” or main reproductive organ (seed pod) at the bottom of a seed can be formed later. Once a propail or seed pod has been formed, the plant can be turned over so that the other layers of the flower can now be exposed.
The flower petals can now be turned over so that the other petals of the seedling become visible. These petals contain the actual fruit-bearing seed. At this point, the seed has fully formed and a seed pod can be seen.
The final turning stage of the fruit-bearing seed is called the floret. This is where the fruit-bearing seed can be easily spotted on a fruit.
The fruit is actually fully developed at this point and it is completely ripe for eating. It is at this point that the fruit can either be eaten straight out of a fruit or can be sliced to produce jams or jellies. Many of today’s fruits, such as apricots, blackberries and strawberries, have undergone this process.
When the fruit reaches its full growth and is fully ripe, it is harvested by hand and cut into the appropriate shape for consumption. Some fruits can be frozen and can be used for making jams and jellies even further down the road.
Harvesting a seedling is a laborious process. If the seedling is not completely ripe for harvest the first time, it may take several attempts to get a fully developed fruit from it.
Harvesting a seedling means removing the fruit from the plant at this point and taking it back inside the house so that it can be properly cooled off. This takes time and patience. It is possible to freeze a seedling but it is difficult to do so if the seedling is extremely ripe. Most people do not do this and many do not know about it until they try it.
Many people like to grow seedlings themselves in order to preserve them and keep them for later harvest. Although this is not recommended, many people enjoy doing so. A small amount of research can help a person decide if this is the best course of action.