Saving dried flower seeds involves collecting the ripe seeds from spent flower heads, properly drying them, cleaning them, and storing them in a cool, dry place until ready for sowing. This process allows you to grow new plants from your favorite flowers year after year.
The exact steps to save dried flower seeds, based on the provided reference, are straightforward and easy to follow:
Steps to Saving Dried Flower Seeds
Follow these key steps to successfully collect and preserve seeds from your dried flowers:
- Cut the Flower Head: Using scissors or a knife, carefully cut the flower head from the plant once it has dried on the stalk and the seeds inside are mature and often visible or rattle when shaken.
- Collect Ripe Seeds: Gently break apart the dried flower head and collect the ripe seeds. Place these collected seeds onto a piece of waxed paper. Waxed paper is a good choice as it prevents seeds from sticking.
- Allow Seeds to Dry: Leave the seeds on the waxed paper for approximately a week. This ensures they are thoroughly dry, which is crucial for preventing mold and rot during storage. Adequate drying helps maintain viability.
- Clean the Seeds: After drying, clean the seeds by removing any remaining husks, pods, or debris. This can often be done by gently rubbing the seeds or using a fine sieve. Cleaner seeds store better and are easier to sow.
- Store the Seeds: Place the cleaned seeds into an envelope or small paper bag. Seal the envelope or bag. Paper allows for some air circulation, which helps prevent moisture buildup. Label the envelope with the type of flower and the date of collection for easy identification later.
- Sow in Spring: Store the sealed envelope in a cool, dark, dry place. Wait until the appropriate time, typically in the spring after the last frost, to sow the seeds according to the specific plant's requirements.
Why Save Your Own Seeds?
Saving seeds is a rewarding practice for several reasons:
- Cost-Effective: It's free! You get new plants without buying new seed packets.
- Preserve Varieties: You can save seeds from specific varieties you love, especially heirlooms or open-pollinated types.
- Adaptation: Seeds saved from plants grown in your specific garden environment may be better adapted to your local conditions over time.
Remember that not all flower seeds can be saved successfully, particularly those from F1 hybrids, which may not grow true to the parent plant. Focus on saving seeds from open-pollinated varieties.
Saving dried flower seeds is a simple process that connects you more deeply with your garden and ensures a supply of your favorite blooms for the future.
