You get sage seeds by collecting them from the dried flower heads of the sage plant after the flowers have faded and gone to seed.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
Let the Flowers Fade: Allow the sage flowers to bloom and then fade naturally on the plant. The flower heads will dry out and turn brown. This is where the seeds develop.
-
Timing is Key: Wait until the flower heads are completely dry and brittle. The seeds inside should be mature and dark in color (usually black or dark brown). Avoid collecting seeds too early, as they may not be viable.
-
Harvesting the Seeds:
- Cut the Flower Heads: Carefully cut off the dried flower heads using scissors or pruning shears.
- Drying Further (Optional): If the flower heads aren't completely dry, you can further dry them indoors on a tray or in a paper bag for a few days. This will help release the seeds more easily.
-
Extracting the Seeds:
- Threshing: Gently crush the dried flower heads over a container. You can do this by hand, or by rubbing the flower heads between your palms. The seeds will separate from the chaff.
- Winnowing: Separate the seeds from the chaff (the dry, papery remains of the flower heads). You can do this by gently blowing on the mixture, allowing the lighter chaff to blow away while the heavier seeds remain. A fine mesh sieve can also be helpful.
- Picking: Remove any remaining large pieces of debris by hand.
-
Storing the Seeds:
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the seeds are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold growth.
- Airtight Container: Store the cleaned sage seeds in an airtight container (such as a glass jar or a sealed bag) in a cool, dark, and dry place.
- Label and Date: Label the container with the date and the type of sage to keep track of your seeds.
Following these steps will enable you to successfully harvest and store sage seeds for future planting. The referenced video shows a similar process of collecting seeds from a dried plant head.
