Seed preparation

[gerald]

Next year I'm going to try and grow cactus from my own seed for the first time.

At the moment the seeds are in numerous berries on various plants, notably Mammillaria.

Is there a methodical way of harvesting and preparing seeds? I'm concerned that the pulp will make a congealed mess around the seeds and they'll be difficult to separate, especially the tiny ones.

[Paul D]

I squash the fruits and smear thinly on a piece of kitchen roll to dry. Once dry the seeds are much easier to handle.