Collecting flower seeds for planting
Category: Gardening
This check list is in the following categories:
The process of harvesting and saving seeds in order to grow more flowers.
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Seeds are ready when flower plant is dry and brittle
If collecting seeds on a rainy day, be sure to lay them out to dry before placing in a bag.
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Shake seeds from the plant or use your fingers to pry them out of flower.
Most of the time, seeds are located in the center of the flower. For flowers that grow on a stalk, pull the whole stalk through your hand to get them off.
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Check for small bugs
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Remove debris and dirt by rubbing through your hands or shaking through a sieve.
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Let seeds dry thoroughly for several days
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Put seeds in a storage container: sealed jar, plastic bag, or paper bag.
You may want to put a paper towel inside the container, or a silicone packet, to help absorb moisture.
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Label jar or bag
Include: name of flower, color, date collected, when and where you want to plant them again.
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Store seeds in a cool, dry place - not outdoors, in a shed, or in a greenhouse.
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Make sure the container and storage location are not accessible to mice.
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Most seeds should be planted within 1-3 years
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To keep seeds stored for a long time, they need to be in a very well-sealed (air-tight) container and stored in the freezer.