Guide to Harvesting Seeds from Your Flowers
Harvesting seeds from your flower blooms can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to propagate your favourite plants year after year. Here’s a straightforward florist’s guide to ensure effective seed collection.
1. Timing the Harvest
Watch for Maturity: Flower seeds should be harvested when they are fully mature. This usually occurs when the flower heads have dried and turned brown, but it can vary by species.
Weather Considerations: Choose a dry day for harvesting to minimise moisture, which can lead to mould during storage.
2. Identifying Mature Seeds
Examine the Seed Pods: Many flowers produce pods or capsules. These should be hard and dry. For flowers like sunflowers, the seeds will be visible and will darken as they mature.
Check Colour Changes: Seeds often change colour as they ripen; for example, brown or dark seeds are generally a sign of maturity.
3. Harvesting Techniques
Use the Right Tools: A pair of sharp scissors or garden snippers will ensure clean cuts. You may also want a paper bag or envelope to collect the seeds.
Remove the Seed Heads: Cut the flower head carefully from the plant, leaving some stem for handling.
Manual Collection: For flowers like daisies or lupins, you may need to gently rub the seed heads to release seeds into your collecting container.
4. Cleaning the Seeds
Remove Debris: Once collected, separate the seeds from any flower remnants, such as petals or husks. A gentle brushing can help with this.
Drying: If seeds are not fully dry, spread them out in a single layer on paper or a cloth in a cool, dry place. Allow them to dry completely.
5. Storing the Seeds
Choose Containers: Use paper envelopes or glass jars to store seeds. Avoid plastic bags as they can trap moisture.
Label Clearly: Mark the container with the flower type and harvest date to track your seeds effectively.
Storage Conditions: Store seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place. A refrigerator can be an ideal option if humidity is a concern.
6. Test Germination
Pre-Test for Viability: Before planting, test a small batch of seeds by placing them on damp paper towels and keeping them warm. This way, you can gauge their viability before sowing.
7. Planting Your Seeds
Follow Specific Guidelines: Each flower species will have its own requirements for planting depth and spacing. Refer to a gardening guide for specific details.
Timing: Consider your local climate when deciding the best time to plant your seeds. Many species benefit from being sown in spring or autumn.
By following these steps, you can successfully harvest and store seeds from your flowers, ensuring a lush garden for seasons to come.
