when to know is pods are ready for picking

[craigo12]

hello everyone
want to know if anyone can help me
i am thinking of pollinating and want to know
how to know they are ready for picking
craigo12

[Discus]

It depends on whether you want a green pod or a ripe one - you can sow (in flask, obviously) green pods, but if you're doing any other kind of sowing, you'll probably want to let it ripen. Green pods are perhaps easier as they're easier to decontaminate in the lab. Really ripe pods split open and spill seed, but you'll then have to sterilise it.

[craigo12]

what is the best way to sterilize pods
obviously not microwave or boiling water
thanks
craigo12

[Discus]

Assuming you're not going to do the flasking yourself, the lab does it. If you are, you have some reading ahead of you - google DIY flasking orchid seed or similar phrases. alternatively, try a book like one of these: books

Most people use alcohol or some kind of mild-ish bleach/hyphochlorite solution.

[Ray]

To answer your question, as most labs prefer green pod culture - on an orchid it's actually a "capsule", by the way (yet we still refer to "pod parent" and "green pod harvesting" for some reason) - the trick is to be observant, and when you see yellowing of either end, it's time to harvest.