Read information on collecting, drying,
and storing seeds from your own flowers.
Starting seeds indoors
Read information on how to sow seeds indoors.
Makes a great hobby. Get a head start this Spring!
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of Marigold seeds. The original seed was
given to me by my Father 5 years ago.
This pile of Marigold seeds measures
about 5 inches high!
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If you'd like to collect seeds from your flower gardens here is a basic method I use to save my seeds.
Step 1 Getting started:
Throughout the growing season I allow flowers to go to seed; producing seed heads or seed pods.
Than I let the seed heads dry out as much as possible while still on the plant. Weather permitting of
course.
Step 2 Collecting seeds:
Before the pods break open, are eaten by birds, or risk of frost and winter weather starts I will collect the
dried seed pods from the plants on a dry sunny day. I carefully cut or break off the seed heads from the
plants with a container in the other hand to catch any seeds or seed pods that may fall. If collecting
seeds from many different plants at once; it is a good idea to collect them in separate envelopes or
containers with a quick label for each to remind yourself what seed is from what plant!
Step 3 Drying seeds:
After collecting the seeds I usually place them in a ventilated box or container to dry out completely. I
keep the box outside in a warm and dry spot. So if drying outside try to keep them protected from wind,
wet weather, and rodents. Some seeds will dry out faster than others. I always make sure that any
seeds that I'm ready to store are completely dry. This prevents rotting and minimizes the possibility of
mold.
Step 4 Preparing seeds for storage:
When seeds are good and dry I shake the seeds and pods through a mini screen, or sieve. I give them
a gentle "crush" onto the screen and gently shake this over a white piece of paper. The screen usually
holds most of the seed pods, and chaffs allowing the seed to fall through onto the paper.
Step 5 Storing seeds:
I simply use paper envelopes to store my seeds. Labeling is important. Label envelopes with the date
and year collected as well as the name of the plant. It is a good idea to store envelopes in a cool dry
area. I store my seed collection in the laundry room. I also store some seeds outside in the garden
shed over winter. If storing seeds outside remember to place envelopes in a rodent proof container
such as a metal can with lid. An old washed out paint can with lid works great.
The seed's success depends on how old it is, and it's storing conditions. That is not to say that my
seeds have not been stored for more than one year. I have done so. I do try to plant seeds I have
collected right from the previous year for best results in the garden. Although, I have had successful
plantings with older seeds. If I become overloaded with seeds, I just give them away to friends.
To keep my seed supply fresh and plentiful, I always collect, dry and store new seeds every year.
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Small old window screen or sieve.
A variety of sizes of paper envelopes.
Ventilated cardboard box or container.
A selection of small containers for catching, collecting,
and drying seeds in.
Scrap pieces of white paper.
Old, washed out paint can with lid for rodent proof
storage.
Pens for labeling.
Corn Poppy
Cosmo
Cupid's Dart
French Marigold
Zinnia
Tomatoes
