Clever Gardening Technique Collecting and Storing Seeds Thrifty
gardeners, or those who just want to add a new dimension to
their favorite hobby, will enjoy gathering seeds for next year's
garden. Success is mostly a matter of good timing; collect too
soon and the seeds may not be viable, collect too late and the
opportunity will be lost to wind, rain, or a hungry bird or
critter. Most flower seeds mature four to six weeks after blooms
fade. A change in color of the flower head or seed pod is
usually a good clue that the flower embryo is fully developed.
Plan to collect during the driest part of the day, usually mid-
afternoon. When flowers are ready, cut the dried heads or pods
from their stalks and shake them into a bag or a bucket.
Composite flowers like daisies and asters, with tightly-packed
seeds in their centers, may need to be pulled apart. Separate
seeds from the chaff by pouring them onto a paper plate and
rolling the plate from side to side. Gather the cleaned seeds
onto a second plate marked with t