Last fall I got some hedge apples from a friend of mine.I put them in a 5 gallon bucket and they sat in the garage over the winter.I noticed the other day that they were getting mushy so I added some water and smashed them with a garden fork into a goo.I just had to see what was inside that mess and what I found was a bazzilion seeds.I made a shallow trench in the garden and poured the goo in and covered it up. Got about a 20 ft. row.If I have any success I will bareroot them out this fall and transplant them.I won't see the day but hopefully someday someone with a hankerin to build a bow will put it to good use.
About 10 years ago my state was offering osage seedlings for sale through the NRD. I wanted to plant a few then but was discouraged by their rep. At the time they were trying to eradicate them in the south-east portion of the state. I wish I would have went with my gut at that time. I would have half grown trees by now.
Anyway, I hope there are some potential bows in my garden.
Does anyone know if the seeds would still be good if they were seperated from the pulp and dried in the spring? I have talked to several people who are looking for osage but have none in there area.I have a supply and it could be done with a little patience.
Thanks,
Ed
Not sure. but they do have alot of seeds. every lil bump on the hedge apple will contain a seed. Lots of them around here. it so hard to find one that is straight though.
I have sprouted lots of seedlings. I put them in gallon containers, let them grow a year, and discard the ones that show typical dogleg. I only plant the straight ones.
I wish I had some seeds , Id plant some.. :)
I'm getting ready to plant some as well. Like Eric did I plan to cull the crooked ones, and my intent is to also keep the trunk trimmed and free of branches down low. I an wondering how fast they will grow if watered and fertilized and tended on a regular basis.
I have been told to plant them in with established timber but where they still can get enough light to survive. This is supposed to keep them growing straight as they try to reach sunlight. I have an area of several acres that is old growth willow,mulberry and ash. Alot of this is going down and I have wanted to get some new growth started .
I am real curious to find out if the seeds could be kept. Atleast for a short period. I have access to an ample supply of apples this fall and would be happy to send seed to anyone who wanted it in the spring.
I have heard that it takes about 20 years to see a harvestable tree for bow purposes.
Thanks for the replies,
Ed
I planted and grew a dozen or so plants a few years ago and planted them on our hunting lease. Came back in a few weeks to check on them and the $#?/)@ armadillos had dug up ALL of them. :mad:
Joey
Seeds can be kept for some time. Keep them in a dry,cool place like a paper bag.
I've got 25 comin' from the MO Conservation Dept. in April. They should be about two feet tall. If anybody wants some and you're close to my area I'll give you some. I'll never be able to use all 25.
Yes Ed, just put yourself in suspended animation for 20 years LOL!
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the information.
Tom, can I atleast come out for the hunting season?
Take Care,
Ed :goldtooth: