I have picked bunches of seed from a recently dead tree. The seed capsules are black. I want to remove the seed inside the capsules but have found that the capsule itself is sticky and won't open easily or let go of the seeds inside. How do I remove the seeds from inside the capsule? Any advice on this topic would be appreciated. I thought maybe the seed capsules need to dry out but I don't know what to do with the capsules to get them to dry out.
Also, I read somewhere that the seeds will need approx. 4 weeks cold stratification but then somewhere else I read approx. 12 weeks is needed. Which is correct I'm wondering - if any cold stratification is needed at all?
I am a hort. student and this is for one of my assessments.
Thank you in advance for any information and/or advice provided.