• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

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.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW