There's very little point in allowing the plants to produce seed pods, since the odds of getting volunteers in the garden are infinitessimal and they've only really been successfully artificially germinated using flasking techniques under lab conditions. Producing and ripening seeds uses a lot of energy that the plant could conserve and use toward building up the strength to flower in subsequent years. So, I'd suggest removing the seedpods before they develop... but I know it's tempting to leave 'em!

I had not thought of that. that sounds like a good idea. thanks.
sue

No problem - forgot to mention that some species and hybrids are being raised (under the aforementioned lab conditions) from seed to flower in about five to seven years. It's true what they say - nurseries are one of the only businesses that truly allow you to buy time!

another question: how does it work in nature? surely, seeds do get propagated without sterile enviroments.
sue

The seed pod can also be sent to a lab for processing.

Sue, i read a couple articles many years ago about propagation of orchids in nature. If you google, you should find some reading material. It is interesting.

Sheila :)

hello, Sheila, good idea. thanks.
sue

Seeds grow in nature when they fall in a spot with the right water conditions and the right fungus to feed them. Survival is less than 1 in a million. The flowers just produce millions of seeds.

We do not have that patience.

In the 19-20th century before agar and sterile conditions were developed to grow orchids in quantity, botanical gardens would sow the seeds around the base of the parent and on the rare occasion one would grow.

hello, jerry, thanks for the info. every flower has a seed pod this year. too bad I have to cut them all off.
sue