September Flower Seeds for Continuous Blossoms - Cultivate a Perpetual Flower Garden
Harvesting and storing flower seeds is a cost-effective and rewarding way to maintain a thriving garden. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to collect seeds from sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, nasturtium, morning glory, coreopsis, cosmos, and snapdragons.
**Harvesting Seeds**
1. **Wait for Maturity:** Allow the flower heads to mature fully on the plant until they start to dry and brown. Sunflowers' backs turn yellow or brown, while black-eyed Susans and coneflowers' seed heads become dry and spiky. Nasturtium and morning glory seed pods become dry and brown, and coreopsis, cosmos, and snapdragon seed pods dry on the plant.
2. **Collect Seeds Carefully:** - **Sunflowers:** Cut the seed head when the back is yellow-brown. Dry further indoors if needed, then rub seeds off the flower head. - **Black-eyed Susans & Coneflowers:** Collect the dry seed heads; seeds can be shaken or rubbed out. - **Nasturtium & Morning Glory:** Harvest seed pods when dry and brown; open pods and extract seeds. - **Coreopsis, Cosmos, Snapdragons:** Collect dried seed pods or capsules; break open to extract seeds.
3. **Clean Seeds:** Remove chaff, flower debris, or husks. Cleaning is crucial because leftover plant material can harbor moisture and mold.
**Drying Seeds**
- Spread seeds on paper towels, mesh screens, or trays in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. - Let seeds dry thoroughly to a safe moisture level to prevent mold but avoid overdrying which could reduce viability.
**Storing Seeds**
- Store seeds in airtight containers such as glass Mason jars or plastic photo boxes, depending on seed size. - Label containers clearly with seed type and date of harvest. - Place containers in a cool, dry, and dark location (e.g., a cupboard, cellar, or refrigerator). - Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity. - For long-term storage, seeds can be kept at low temperatures with minimal moisture to extend viability. Some seeds can last several years if stored correctly.
**Additional Tips**
- Record notes about seed productivity and health to guide future saving. - If seeds show mold or poor viability, consider starting anew with fresh seeds. - Different flower seeds vary in their shelf life; most flower seeds remain viable 1-3 years with proper storage.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully harvest and store seeds from your favourite flowers, ensuring a bountiful garden for years to come. Happy seed saving!
Enjoy the pleasure of nurturing a vibrant home-and-garden through gardening by storing and growing your own flower seeds. After collecting seeds from sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, nasturtium, morning glory, coreopsis, cosmos, and snapdragons as outlined, consider expanding your lifestyle by growing seeds from home-grown seedlings.
