Cleaning seeds: A few methods and tips

First, use proper collection techniques and you’ll spare yourself a lot of tiresome labor. Collect the seed when they are mature or if you collect them on stalks, clusters, flowers or pods, let the seed fully mature and dry so far as they can where they are. A simple shake of the pod etc into a paper bag or bucket will loosen the seeds. There should be a minimum of extra material that will take up your time and attention.

Second, make the technique fit the seed. If you’re collecting flower seeds that mature in hard husks, hang the seed head out on a freezing night or two with a bucket below the head. The action of the cold causes the seeds to pop themselves free of the hard husk and drop into your container. Wild moist fruits, or heritage type tomato seeds can be a problem. Puree the fruit cover with a paper towel and let the liquid ferment a day or three. Then strain out the seeds and dry them. Some seeds mature on a flower, wait, then when they are ready, gently blow, pick, or tap them free. The key? Let nature and natural processes do your work when possible.

Third, utilize proper screens. Some collections have another collection besides seed, and they’re called screens. Screen of various gauges are available. Gauge represents the size of the holes in the screen mesh. Using proper sized sceens to sift the material large debris may be separated from the miniscule seeds you are seeking. Careful slow work with attention to detail is required. Now as to the final step sometimes required (as the Bible says, “separating the wheat from the chaff”) a small fan is your best bet. (A gale force wind outside could quickly destroy you seed collection) Working carefully and from a good distance at first slowly let the seed and chaff drift from one screen to another. The lighter (a relative term) chaff will separate from the desired seeds. (Vibration plates can also do the trick, so you could choose to look into that kind of equipment when you’re ready to dedicate yourself to the preservation of wild, and domestic seed.) This is where real experience and patience pays off.

Fourth, don’t become too much of a perfectionist. A certain amount of chaff and debris is almost inevitable for the home collector. Know when the level of cleaning is sufficient and don’t drive yourself batty – or blind – trying for the elusive 100% standard. Hobbies and avocations are supposed to be enjoyable. Remember that.