800 year old seeds grew

[zimmerstutzen]

Archeologists found a clay pot in Wisconsin containing squash seeds. A few were planted and the things grew. Oblong and look sort of like a yellow zuccini, but they are a yellow winter squash. Researchers describe them as delicious.

Oh crap, lost the url?

here: http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organ...ents-revive-extinct-squash-800-year-old-seeds

 

[tenngun]

I grew up in New Mexico about two miles from Aztec national monument. They sold beans from stock found in storage pots in peublo. They were good stuff. Smallerthen most beans bigger then a pea. Taste like a cross between pinto and black bean. We raised them for about four years.

 

[Kansas Jake]

Facinating! I've wondered how long some seeds could last and be viable.

 

[coloradoclyde]

I posted about that like a year or so ago.... :haha: Still very cool though....wish I had some of those seeds.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Facinating! I've wondered how long some seeds could last and be viable.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/02/120221-oldest-seeds-regenerated-plants-science/

 

[BillinOregon]

Zimmer, good to see you posting. Be fun to grow that squash, wouldn't it?

 

[Kansas Jake]

My dad sprayed a bindweed patch on the farm in the 1950's with something that killed the ground for about 5 or 6 years. After that, the first thing that started growing there again was bindweed. :idunno:

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks for posting this. I had forgotten Clyde's post from last year. I find seeds fascinating, whether they are centuries old or just delivered from Burpee. It would be a hoot to try growing some of this squash although it may not be suited for this far south of Green Bay.

Saving seeds is something I mean to do every year but never get around to it. Maybe I can start when planning this spring's garden and go for non-hybrid varieties.

Jeff

 

[BullRunBear]

Kansas Jake,
Bindweed is never destroyed, just postponed. Don't ask how I know. :cursing:

Jeff

 

[coloradoclyde]

Bindweed is a rhizome...sprays don't work well on rhizomes. I think it kill the competition and encourages their growth ...I got rid of my bindweed by smothering it with leaves.....after spray failed

 

[Kansas Jake]

Bindweed also puts out a lot of seed and they remain viable in the soil for many years. Probably 15-20 depending on location, climate etc.