Every year many of our garden plants set masses of ripe seed. Saving some of these offers an easy method of propagation and an ideal way of raising large numbers of plants, absolutely free.
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Collecting seeds
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About seeds
Why collect seeds? Nature will ensure that plants self-sow in order to perpetuate the species, but much more reliable results can be gained by collecting and sowing them yourself. You have control over where plants grow and, above all, it's free.
Annuals are some of the best and most popular plants to grow from home-saved seed, but bulbs, perennials and even some shrubs and trees can be equally rewarding. Be prepared for some variation in seedlings, especially if collecting from F1 hybrids which are special varieties bred by the seed companies for uniformity and vigour; the seedlings produced by these plants are unlikely to have the same properties as the parent plant. On the plus side, the different characteristics may be good ones and it makes the whole process more exciting!
When to sow
Some seeds, such as those recommended in the next section, are very straightforward and simply require storing until they're ready for sowing, either into pots under cover, or directly outside. Others, however, may need specific preparation before they'll germinate, such as exposure to certain temperatures, soaking, or breaking the seedcoat. Sowing into trays of seed compost in autumn and placing outside with some shelter such as in a coldframe will cover most germination options. Bring the trays inside in spring to a temperature of between 15° and 25° which should encourage germination.
What to do
How to collect seed
- Choose a dry, windless day. Select a healthy, pest- and disease-free plant, whose seedpods look as if they're about to split. Cut off the entire seedhead.
- Invert entire seedhead upside-down into a paper bag. Close bag without crushing seedhead and label. Place bag in a dry place for the seeds to ripen.
- Check the seeds' progress regularly. When most of the seedpods have opened, tip out the contents onto a dry surface and separate seeds from any bits of seedhead still attached.
- Store the cleaned seed in a small dry envelope, seal and label carefully. Keep in a cool, dry, airy place until ready to be used.
Watch video
Five easy seeds to collect
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