How to Save Seeds from Your Flower Garden - Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply

As the gardening season draws to a close, it’s time to start thinking about preserving the beauty and bounty of your flower garden for the future. One rewarding way to extend your garden’s legacy is by saving seeds from your favorite flowers. Not only does seed-saving promote plant diversity and self-sufficiency, but it also allows you to share seeds with friends and family. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of saving seeds from your flower garden step by step:

Choose the Right Flowers to Save Seeds From:

Select healthy, mature plants with desirable traits, such as vibrant colors, strong stems, or unique flower shapes. Avoid hybrid varieties, as they may not produce true-to-type seeds.

Allow Flowers to Fully Mature:

Let the flowers remain on the plant until they start to fade and develop seed heads. Seeds should be fully mature and dry before harvesting.

Harvesting Seeds:

Use scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut seed heads or pods from the plant. Place them in a paper bag or envelope to dry further indoors.

Drying Seeds:

Spread seeds out on a paper towel or tray in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Allow seeds to air dry completely for 1-2 weeks.

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Removing Seeds from Seed Heads:

Once seeds are fully dry, gently crush seed heads or pods to release seeds. Separate seeds from chaff or debris using a sieve or fine mesh screen.

Cleaning Seeds:

For small seeds, use a small brush or tweezers to remove remaining debris. Larger seeds can be cleaned by winnowing or gently blowing away chaff.

Storing Seeds:

Store seeds in labeled paper envelopes or glass jars in a cool, dry, and dark place. Include information about the plant variety, harvest date, and any special growing instructions.

Testing Seed Viability:

To ensure seed viability, perform a simple germination test by placing a few seeds on a damp paper towel and observing sprouting over a few days.

Sharing Seeds:

Share your saved seeds with fellow gardeners or participate in seed exchanges to promote biodiversity and preserve heirloom varieties.

Planning for Next Year’s Garden:

Use your saved seeds to sow a new generation of flowers in your garden next spring. Experiment with seed-starting techniques indoors or direct sow seeds in prepared garden beds.

By following these seed-saving tips, you’ll not only preserve the unique characteristics of your favorite flowers but also deepen your connection to the gardening cycle. Saving seeds is a wonderful way to nurture a sense of stewardship and continuity in your garden, ensuring that its beauty will continue to bloom for years to come. Start your seed-saving journey today and reap the rewards of a self-sustaining flower garden! Happy gardening and seed-saving!