Herb cross pollination

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Does anyone know if dill and fennel cross-pollinate? If so, how far apart should they be planted. I want to save seeds from both. Are there any other herbs that should be separated?

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2001

Answers

The short answer: They will not cross. The longer answer: As a rule, different species will not hybridize. Varieties within a species will. Dill (Anethum graveolens) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) are not only different species, they're in different genera (singular: genus). So get yourself a book or seed catalog that gives the Latin names so you can see which varieties are in the same species. The Latin name (or scientific name) is in two parts: first one is the genus and second is the species. Often there is a third - a variety name - tacked on. Of course, if your plant is self-pollinated (like most beans) you don't have to worry about crossing. As for other herbs, well there are hundreds of them, but most are insect-pollinated, so you can expect crossing if you grow more than one variety of the same herb. If this is not clear, or you have other questions, let me know. (Better yet, ask Sharon WT - she knows all this stuff, and her answer will be more entertaining!) If you really want to get into seed saving, get a copy of Suzanne Ashworth's SEED TO SEED. I save many kinds of garden seeds. Just requires a little thought and planning.

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2001

Yep. What Sam said. I got the book from the library and copied the most pertinent pages,but will add it to my library down the road.Good info on what will cross with what. Esp.helpful for squash/pumpkin, and brasicas.

On herbs, basils are most troublesome.I tried to get clarification on species vs variety from a number of sources,and still no agreement on some.Have to try Herb Society when I can.

There are both a number of sage varieties and species, as well.Thymes,too

Some mints(pepper,spear,chocolate) are troublesome.Basically propagate vegetatively as they readily cross.

David-I forgot to tell you. The artichokes arrived ,are in the ground and are up! Thank you,again. Can you use bubble mailers? I got a bunch (like 2000!) that are the size I use for seed/plant trading. Want some?

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2001


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