- 1). Gather berries when they are fully ripe and mature. When they start to fall from the plant they are ready for harvest. Always wear gloves when handling the berries as they produce a sap that is irritating to the skin and may cause a severe allergic reaction in some people. If the sap gets on your skin, wash with mild hand soap and water. If the irritation persists, apply a paste of baking soda and water.
- 2). Cover the berries with water and soak for 24 hours. Strain and then pinch or rub the berries to release the seed. Remember to wear gloves. Each berry has one dark brown or black seed.
- 3). Store seeds in a small amount of damp peat moss in an air tight container and refrigerate for six to eight weeks. This process is known as stratification which means to mimic the damp and wet conditions the seed would experience during a time of winter dormancy. If you do not want to wait to plant later, the seeds may be planted directly into the garden or flower pots.
- 4). Prior to planting, nick each seed with a small paring knife or firmly scratch the seed covering with a nail file.
- 5). Plant in full sun in nutrient rich, well drained soil. Cover seed with soil and water well.
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