4 2009-08-29T18:09:10-07:00 false The self-sown Osaka purple mustards in my Southwest bed have sprouted. This is an update on a new planting for them. Here's the history of these seeds: In spring 2009, I planted 4 different groups of Osaka purple mustard plants in my garden: * 3 wintersown plants grown out from Osaka purple mustard seeds that Cmagnus saved in her garden in 2008. * A couple wintersown plants grown out from an Asian mustard mix that I got in a swap with Soliel. * A second direct seeded planting of the Asian mustard mix seeds I got from Soliel. * A couple wintersown plants grown out from a Mustard mix that I got in a swap with Cmagnus. When they started to bolt, I let six plants go to seed, and was careful to select at least one plant from each group. This way, I could maximize what little genetic diversity I have room for. I used a tomato cage to keep the plants close together (to maximize cross-pollination) and to keep them somewhat neat. There were two tomato cages: * One had Cmagnus's seeds in it -- both her saved seeds and her mix. This was unfortunate, because I think her saved seeds were from plants that came from that mix. * One had the plants from the two plantings of mustard seeds. Again, unfortunate. I made no effort to isolate plants that were further apart from each other (the ones in different tomato cages), so those could have cross-pollinated too (and I hope that they did). Also, from time to time, other mustards in my garden bolted, and I didn't always notice the flower stalks quickly and they flowered before I removed them. So I might have a few unplanned crosses as well. I'm kinda hoping for a mizuna/Osaka purple cross. Anyway, I've been diligently collecting and saving these seeds. I have about a quarter cup of them. They have also self-seeded. I'm taking this as a sign that it's time to plant Fall greens. 5 false 67679 false false false Entry 2009-08-26T21:00:00-07:00 DMY Public 2009-08-29T18:09:10-07:00 1713 71 F