Seed collection FAQ

Why collect seeds?

Learning how to properly collect seeds offers you the chance to share interesting plants and species with other gardeners. Using the seeds you have gathered lets you experiment with varieties with different characteristics and perhaps most important, saving seeds can preserve certain rare plants that you may be tending or come across on a walk. There’s no need to be a professional, amateurs (and their own gardens) can profit from proper collection of seed, domestically and in the wild.

What’s the best time to collect seeds?

It depends. Different plants mature their seeds at different times of the year. Knowing how each plant produces its seeds and when exactly they are ready for gathering can be a big help, but there’s another way to make an educated guess. Most seeds are ripe for picking when they are dry. If you pinch a seed and a moist center germ is extruded – not time yet. Once dried and ready, most seeds are almost impossible to crush. In many cases seeds are produced in clusters, fruits, or pods, in that instance, sometimes it’s possible to retrieve the entire bunch and, leaving them attached to the pod or cluster, let the seeds mature at their leisure. In the case of moist fruits the seeds need to be removed from all contact with moisture.

Should I place the collected seeds in plastic bags?

Simple answer – No. Plastic will contain any moisture and the seeds may rot. Use porous materials like paper sacks or fabric bags. The air circulation will aid in preservation and drying.

How do I dry the seeds I’ve collected?

Porous storage bags help. But beyond that, air circulation is essential. Don’t pile seeds or layer them for drying. Warm, dry, circulated air will help as well but be careful, anything approaching 100 degrees F will simply cook the seeds, and you’re not interested in dinner. Direst summer sun can also destroy any chance of germination in many cases. After the seeds are dried they should be separated from any extra plant material by sifting or threshing. You just want to store the seed itself. Seeds can be stored in freezers but be sure they are sealed away from all moisture.

How do I store the seeds?

Collected seeds, thoroughly dried (6% moisture is ideal) should be kept in a cool dry and dark environment. The lower the temperature (with a low limit of 32 degrees F), and the lower the humidity of the air (65% or lower) combine to give seeds longer “shelf” life. Without expensive equipment some seeds may be viable after 2 or three years, but conditions must me right and be maintained.

Is labeling a good idea?

Absolutely. Make sure to properly label the seed containers, whether they are envelopes or jars. It just makes good sense. You’ll know what you’re planting before it sprouts – and you’ll know when to plant it. Plus you wouldn’t want to surprise that friend you mailed the seeds to, would you?