Expert: C.L. Fornari - 9/21/2011

Question
QUESTION: I'm thinking about planting some Devil Claw seeds in my garden to come up next year. Will the birds eat the Devil Claw Seeds or not? Just curious because I do want them to come up next year. Will the seeds overwinter here in Georgia?

ANSWER: I think the seeds should overwinter in Georgia, but who knows what birds will do or not do? I've got wild turkeys in my garden right now, and they're plucking the petals from my roses! If I were you I'd scatter some seeds in the garden where you want them to grow, and save others inside to plant in pots, flats or directly into the ground next spring. That way you'll be covered no matter what.
all the best,
C.L.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have some that I think is premature and I picked them when I saw the lines on them. Did I get them too early or were they close to maturity? I have no ideas what the birds will do or not. I thought the birds wouldn't touch those knd of seeds.

Answer
Wait till the seed pods turn tan but before they open. You can tie netting around them to catch the seeds if you're unsure if they are ripe but don't want to lose them if the pods open before you pick them.

We can never say "never" about what wildlife will do...just when you think they don't eat something, you'll get a bird or animal that will!