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9 comments to Saving seeds

• Cathy

  February 18th, 2007 at 8:57 am · Reply

  Cathy P.
  When your lily has blossomed, and the seed pods have formed; do you harvest the seeds and put them in the freezer untill spring(?) or just plant them where you would like to see new plants next year? Does either or neither of these work? Thank You.

  You can do either. Keeping the seeds in the freezer will preserve them for a few years and then you can use them when and where you want.

• Nancy Newell

  February 18th, 2007 at 9:15 am · Reply

  I love this site. Would you tell me how to save Black eyed Susan seeds from dried pods and how and when to replant them around the main plant I already have outdoors, I am trying to fill in spaces in the circle of them I have around my well cap… thanks again for your help…

  Allow the dk brown/black spiky ball on the stem to dry out and ripen. The seeds will come off easily with the brush of your finger when they are ripe. You can do two things; the easy way- leave the seed head to winterover and reseed itself naturally or pick it in the fall, dry, place in a paper bag and sow in early spring. If you allow it to reseed naturally you may have Black-eyed Susan in places that you didn’t want.

• Nancy K

  February 18th, 2007 at 9:19 am · Reply

  My Mom has beautiful poppies in her garden – what is the best way to get the seeds so I can plant my own for next year? I need step-by-step instructions as my Mom and I do not agree on how we go about this.

  The seed capsules can be large or small depending on the variety. Certain poppies have pods with openings at the top from which the seeds can be dispersed like a salt shaker. Harvest your seeds when the pods turn light brown and before they shed their seeds. When they are ready, cut the stem at the base or at a convenient length and invert the pod in a bag or container. Shake until all seeds fall into the bag. This way you’ll have the seeds and the nice empty pod for dried floral arrangements. Scather the seeds in loose, worked soil in the fall where they will remain dormant through the winter or early spring as soon as the ground can be worked.

• Pam Loveland

  August 12th, 2007 at 8:27 am · Reply

  I want to save seeds from summer flowers such as Morning Glories, Hollyhocks, etc. How and when do you do this? Thank you, Pam & Donna

  Saving seeds is a matter of observing and right timing. When the plant matures, blooms and then starts to produce seeds you need to watch when seed capsules ripen or turn brown. At this point, they may split open when dry and spill their seeds, unless you cut or break off the capsules and spread them on a tray or paper to dry. The seeds should fall out of their “container”, some may need to be coaxed out with your fingers. Remove and discard any debris. Annuals such as morning glories can be stored in labeled envelopes or small jars in a cool, dry, dark place. The black seeds are in globe-like capsules. Let the capsules dry and they should open on their own or gently squeeze to remove the seeds. Perennials like hollyhocks will naturally sow their fresh seeds immediately but can also be stored as mentioned for next spring planting. You can start saving hollyhock seeds 2-3 wks after blooming. It has donut shaped pods that mature from the bottom of the plant upwards. Pick brown pods and allow them to dry until they unfold. Some flowers take more work to winnow out the seeds but always make sure that all seeds are completely dry before storing.

• Laurel Benoit

  August 19th, 2007 at 9:35 am · Reply

  I need to know when and how to harvest trumpet vine pods. Also, I need to know how to plant them. What and how to store them for the New England winter.

  Harvest your seed pods when they start turning brown and let them dry. You can plant the seeds in the fall outdoors to winterover or save the dried seeds by storing them in the frig for at least 60 days (cold stratification) and plant in the spring. Some say the seeds germinate readily even if you place them under a rock. See trumpet vine for more info.

• Ola Fischer

  February 21st, 2008 at 3:49 pm · Reply

  Ola Fischer
  I have a black current swirl datura that has bloomed very well this summer, but now the lower leaves are turning yellow. I put Miracle Gro timed released plant food on it in April or May. Should I add more now? Also, there are several seed pods on it. How and when do I collect the seeds? It is growing in a container, partly shaded, on my patio.

  It could use some additional fertilizer. Let the seed pod turn brown to harvest. Cut open the pod, there should be light to dark brown seeds inside with a corky covering on the seeds. Dry the seeds and store in a dark cool place. Keep in mind that seeds collected will not come true when planted. You will not get the same plant but some variations of it. Wear gloves or wash hands after handling the seeds as they are poisonous. All parts of the plant are poisonous and should be kept away from children and pets. Plant seed in a 4 inch pot and cover with 1/4-1/2 ” premoistened soil. Water and place in a warm place. Keep the soil slightly moist until germination occurs which should take 2weeks-several months.

• Christine S

  February 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm · Reply

  Christine S.
  Are the seeds of a Japanese Lantern (Jack-O-Lantern ) plant found inside of the delicate orange flower of what looks like an orange cherry tomato? If so – the seeds are so tiny�what is the best way of drying them out? I would love to know more about this plant! Thank you.

  You must be referring to the Chinese Lantern, (Physalis alkekengi) also known as Winter Cherry, Ground Cherry which belongs to the nightshade family. It is known for its orange, papery husk that encases a small tomato-like fruit which contain the seeds. To process the seeds take the fruit and place it in a blender with enough water to cover it. Blend or agitate the mixture and pour it into a bowl. Discard the top layer of the mix which will contain any floating seeds and debris. The good seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl. Pour the rest into a strainer and rinse with water. Dry the seeds on a non-porous surface, eg. glass. Store completely dry seeds in an airtight container in a cool dry place suc as a refrigerator or freezer for long term storage.

• debra

  July 21st, 2008 at 1:15 am · Reply

  Where are the seeds on the following plants?
  Astilbe
  Lady’s Mantle
  Burning Bush
  Globe Thistle
  Aster ( New England)
  Butterfly Bush
  Beauty Berry
  I collect every seed that I can identify and those above have eluded me for years.
  Also is there a site on the Internet that shows pictures of seed pods and the seeds themselves of both perennials and annuals?
  Thanks for your help. This is my first time at this site and I LOVE it!
  Debra

  Aster- cut the ripened flowerhead and place in a paper bag. Once dried shake the bag to release the seeds. Separate the chaff from the seeds.
  Globe thistle – Hang the flowerhead upside down in a bag and let the seeds fall out or shake the bag to release seeds.

• Kathy

  October 14th, 2008 at 7:45 am · Reply

  Thank you so much for your site and information! I have always appreciated the hard work gardeners put into thier beautiful havens. I am now wanting to try my hand at this much loved source of beauty. My question how and what do you harvest from the Beauty Berry, we live in TN and it now has the beautiful purples beads on it??

  HI Kathy
  Beauty berry bush (Callicarpa ) produces clusters of violet berry-like drupes. Each drupe contains 4 small seeds. You can separate the seeds from the “berry” by using a small blender or macerate them (soak them in water). You can sow the seed in the fall for spring germination. For longer storage, keep the dried seed in the refrigerator.

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