A Guide to Harvesting Seeds from Different Flower Varieties
Harvesting seeds from your favourite flowers can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to cultivate new plants in the next growing season. Here’s a Hong Kong florist guide on how to effectively gather seeds from various flower varieties.
General Tips for Seed Harvesting
Timing: Wait until the flower has completely wilted and the seed pods are dry. This may vary depending on the flower variety; some seeds mature in late summer while others may take longer into autumn.
Weather Considerations: Choose a dry day to harvest seeds. Moisture can affect seed viability and lead to mould during storage.
Collecting Tools: Use clean scissors or pruning shears for cutting seed heads, and have paper envelopes or small containers ready for storage.
Labeling: As you collect seeds, label each envelope or container with the flower name and the date of collection.
Specific Flower Varieties
1. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
How to Harvest: Wait until the sunflower heads droop and the seeds appear plump and brown. Cut the head off the stem with a few inches of stem attached.
Drying: Hang the heads upside down in a dry, airy location to dry for a few weeks.
Seed Extraction: Once dry, rub the seeds out of the head or scrape them with your fingers.
2. Marigolds (Tagetes)
How to Harvest: Wait for the flowers to fade and the seed pods to turn brown and dry.
Collection: Cut the dead flower heads and place them in a paper bag or container to dry further.
Seed Extraction: Once completely dry, shake the bag to release seeds or break open the seed pods.
3. Poppies (Papaver)
How to Harvest: Harvest poppy seed heads after they have dried on the plant and turned a straw colour.
Collection: Cut the heads and place them in a paper bag to avoid losing seeds.
Seed Extraction: After a few days, shake the bag to release seeds from the pods.
4. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
How to Harvest: Let the flower heads wither and dry on the plant. Once brown and dry, gently twist or cut the flower heads from the stem.
Seed Extraction: Hold the flower head over a container and break it apart to release the seeds.
5. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
How to Harvest: Cut the flower heads once they have dried but before they become too brittle. Ensure they are fully brown.
Seed Extraction: Remove the petals and collect the seeds from the base. They can often be found on the underside of the flower head.
Storing Your Seeds
Dry Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to prevent moisture.
Labeling: Ensure all storage containers are properly labelled with the type of seed and the date harvested.
Longevity: Most seeds can last for several years if stored correctly, but check specific varieties for longevity.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully harvest and store seeds from a variety of flowers, ensuring a beautiful garden for years to come. Happy gardening!
