Saving Flower Seeds

Experimentation is part of the fun of gardening. Saving seeds from your favorite flower for next year’s garden or even the next generation is something you might like to try.

Keep in mind that all flowers will not come true from seed. Hybrids and those pollinated by the wind or insects may produce offspring unlike the parent plant. But the surprise offspring can add to the fun. Use heirloom or older varieties when looking for consistency.

Timing is critical. The seeds, not the flower, need to be full sized and mature. This is usually when the seedpod that houses the seeds turns brown and brittle.

Collect the seedheads and separate the seeds from the pod. Then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Label the container with the name of the plant and the year it was collected. This will make spring planting go much easier.

A bit more information: The International Seed Saving Institute  and Seed Saver’s Exchange, have lots of useful information on collecting and storing seeds. Check out these books and see what best meets your needs: Saving Seeds, a Gardener's Guide to Growing and Saving Vegetable and Flower Seeds by Marc Rogers; Saving Seeds, Seed Sowing and Saving by Carole Turner and Basic Seed Saving by Bill McDorman.

Tags

seeds

Related

Audio

Starting Clematis from Seed

Audio

Celebrate Earth Day and Repurpose Plastic for Garden Projects

Audio

Plant Breeding for the Fun of It

Audio

DIY Seed Tapes and Mats for Easier Planting

Audio

New Year’s Resolution: Create a Year-round Calendar of Gardening Projects

Audio

Share the Gift of Gardening

Audio

Starting Heirloom Clematis from Seed

Audio

Boost Productivity of Midseason Plantings

Audio

Save Money by Starting Plants from Seeds Directly in the Garden

Audio

Transplanting Seedlings

• « Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »