Use the largest and best blooms from healthy plants to ensure hearty genetics.
Don’t use diseased plants.
Leave the blooms on the plant until they have withered, turned brown and dried out.
If you collect seeds from flowers that have not dried out on the stem, the seeds may be immature and may not germinate.
Be sure to label all seeds with the flower name, Latin name,
location and collection date as you save them.
Seed Saving is not just for flowers, click to learn about veggies too!
To collect, clip the dried flower heads from the stems.
Marigolds and zinnias break open and remove the seeds from the center. Marigolds have long narrow seeds (bottom right) and zinnia seeds are arrow-shaped (top right). Sort out the large chaff by hand and use a small fan or just blow on the smaller bits to remove, leaving just the seeds.
Snapdragons and lavender seeds will easily fall from the seed heads when shaken into a bowl.
Spread seeds on paper towels to dry in a dark cool area. Make sure they are completely dried before storing to avoid mold which can ruin the seeds.
Store in a labeled envelope or personalized seed packet. Mason jars, plastic baggies can be used if seeds are completely dried out.
Proper, air-tight storage will help the seeds retain their viability, so choose a dark, dry, cool place protected from pests.