Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Collecting Flower seeds now?

I have ALOT of different plants this year that I bought full grown, and some are already showing seed pods! I have never collected my own seeds before, but the seed pods I am seeing, some are already dry, open and empty. Just to name a few, are my portulaca, geraniums, snapdragon, and petunia. Are these seeds good to keep and plant next year or are they a fluke? I always thought seed pods weren't mature until fall.

Collecting Flower seeds now?
yes you can save and store seeds.. just keep them in a cool, dry place and label them so next year you have even more flowers.. i start my seeds in door in the very early spring... and then transplant them outside.. good luck!
Reply:The flowers you listed should be okay to collect seeds from. Seed production time depends on the type of plant and your location. Some plants are hybrids and the seeds from those plants most likely will not produce plants like you bought. They usually revert back to one of the unhybridized varieties of the plant, but even then you can get some quality plants from your "free" seeds.
Reply:Seeds form on flowers at different times. It just depends on the flowers. I save seeds from my plants to use later. It is a great way to save some money next year and you can share with friends.
Reply:I save seeds too. Any time they are starting to dry up, go ahead and pick them off. Put a paper towel on a plate, cookie sheet, etc and place the seeds on it to finish drying. If you don't, they will mold. After they are completely dry, put them in a baggie, label what it is, and pop them into your freezer until next year.When you get ready to plant next year, get them out of the freezer a couple of days before planting. Mine does really well this way.
Reply:u can also go with what mother nature is doing and let them do this naturally so they will seem to "come back" next year, which makes it seem as though they are perennials instead of actually being annuals! also to add to one of the answers up top..... do not and i repeat do not put ur seeds in ur freezer...... put em in ut fridge..... i put mine in the cheese compartment till i'm ready to use em! also when u r ready to use em.... soak em in a cup of water for at least 18 to 24 hours then direct sow them into soil.. be a pot or outside... they will germinate 75% faster this way then any other method! good luck and happy seed collecting!


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