skip to main content

Can I still collect seeds now?

16 years ago

I have never collected my seeds, but since I just started WS I wondered if I could still collect a few seeds from my garden. For example, I had planted a zinnia called Janie which was really nice (and expensive seeds, too). I saw some clusters still on the dried plants, but when I break these open I don't see what looked like the seeds I bought. I also have a few other plants with some dried "pods," but is it generally too late (for example have all the seeds blown out of these cases)? There are probably some good references about how to collect seeds, and I would appreciate any info you can provide.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

tiffy_z5_6_can
16 years ago
My gardens have gone through a few snowstorms, pounding rains, freezes and high winds, yet, despite that, I was out in the last week and collected seeds from an Echinacea and a particular Buddleia, both of which I want more.

I don't grow Zinnias so can't help you with that particular one, but I'm sure you still have lots of seeds as I do! Just bring in the seed heads, let them dry, and check them out.
mo_girl
16 years ago
I noticed some seeds on an annual aster plant of mine the other day. I would imagine most seeds would be viable.

Here is a neat site to help you identify seeds.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Seed Site
Related Discussions
Sugar Snap peas - can I collect seeds?
Q
Comments (8)
Agree with Rodney. It sounds as if you are assuming it is the seeds that gave you such good results one year but not the other when actually 9 out of 10 times it was the different growing conditions, not the seeds, that made the difference. That is true for most all garden seeds. So saving the seeds from a good year doesn't mean you will have a good year with them next year too. I'm big on seed saving but since Hirt's sells 400 seeds for $2.99 )which is more than enough for several years worth of planting in a bed such as you describe), you can't beat that cost of 0.007 cent per seed by doing the work of saving your own. Not to mention that you'd have to let them dry on the vine. Dave
...See More
Starter Fertilizer now...... Can I Still Fertilize Later, Too?
Q
Comments (2)
I sure hope they didn't mean they used Milorganite and starter fertilizer at the same time. No, that wouldn't be a good idea. There's nothing wrong with switching up though. My personal suggestion is using Milorganite year 'round and then a synthetic brand (Scott's or other's) for the last application of the year. Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in the fall. The last app is just after the grass stops growing, meaning you no longer have to mow. So space them timely. Apply fert once in spring, around mid May. If you're using Milorganite, you can fertilize in summer but not if you use synthetics.
...See More
Can I start recently collected wildflower seeds now for fall?
Q
Comments (3)
You can always copy Mother Nature and toss any seed onto the ground as soon as it is ripe. A little clearing out of other plants and roughing up the soil to allow better contact with the soil once it rains/gets watered. You could also summer sow--which is just like wintersowing, with the milk jug, etc, but at a later time. The advantages of the container are: constant ambient moisture to improve germination and prevent drying out as fragile seedlings, avoidance of washing away in a torrential downpour, avoiding the seeds and seedlings becoming lunch for some hungry rodent, and the containers are labeled, so you know what is growing and can plant it where ever you like and move them in and out of appropriate levels of sunlight/cold, etc. Happy sowing! Martha
...See More
The seed pods on my hardy hibiscus have now split, can i take seeds?
Q
Comments (1)
tlbean, Yes. If it split open and you can see the seeds, they are ready. You can plant them now if you want. You can also save them til next year, it's up to you. Congrats on wanting to grow your own, you never know what color you will end up with. It's fun!
...See More
gardenluv
16 years ago
The seed saving forum right here on GW has been helpful to me as well as the seed site.
bakemom_gw
16 years ago
Think about it. Ma nature releases seeds that germinate in nature every spring. We're not talking about plants; we are talking about seeds. Seeds are fine. If you can find them, and they are mature, you will be fine.

Problem is, seeds get swept away by winds and seeds attached to straggly stems might not have matured enough to be viable.
tansy_moon
16 years ago
I gathered some seeds around Christmas from a barrel of dried marigolds in a park near here.

But recently, I believe I saw some more marigolds that still looked dry and good. I was tempted, but have enough already.

My mom used to collect marigold seeds when I was a kid, so that's what started my habit of looking for them! I try to remember where the copper colored ones are and go back or them, since they're my favorites.

I think the earlier in the winter, the better--but you could always do a container or two and see what happens.

If the seeds look damaged, pass them up. Look for whole seeds, pick the whole flower, bring inside and gently remove any leaves and husks before planting--is what I would do.

Related Stories

Houzz Interview: Miss Mustard Seed’s Charming Pennsylvania Home

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Small Garden? You Can Still Do Bamboo

By Matt Kilburn

Forget luck. Having bamboo that thrives on a wee plot just takes planning, picking the right variety, and keeping runners in check

KITCHEN DESIGN Trending Now: 25 Kitchen Photos Houzzers Can’t Get Enough Of

By Mitchell Parker

Use the kitchens that have been added to the most ideabooks in the last few months to inspire your dream project

LANDSCAPE DESIGN While It’s Still Hot Outside, Design a Landscape for Cooling

By Falon Mihalic

Summer is a good time to plan for a yard that will bring temperatures down

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating for Fall When It Still Feels Like Summer

By Nicole White Designs Interiors LLC

Even if sandals and shorts are your year-round attire, you can still subtly dress your home for autumn

GARDENING GUIDES How to Plant a New Lawn From Seed

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed

BEDROOMS Canopy Beds: All Grownup and Still Magical

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

Add a Dose of Drama and Romance With an Elegant Four-Poster

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

REMODELING GUIDES Home Styles: Why Postmodernism Still Matters

Playful mix of history and irony helped pave the way for today's headline-making buildings

ORGANIZING Ideabook 911: How Can I Declutter My Space?

By Becky Harris

10 Steps to Take Toward Minimalism

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County