by Luana

Created on: September 02, 2009

Saving seeds is fun, interesting and of course money saving.

After having a bountiful crop of vegetables or full spread of flowers of the perfect color that enhanced your front entrance, there is always the wish to have it again. Also there may be remaining seeds in the packet, especially after planting a potted garden or when the planting season is coming to a close, and all those seeds are ready to be harvested certainly prompts one to save seeds for future planting.

1.Collect mature seeds

Mature seeds are usually present after the flower has dried on the tree or in ripened fruit/pods. If they are in pods (fruit-like parts on the plant example roses) ensure these are mature or have dried on the tree before picking. Then you may open the pods and remove seeds or allow the picked pods to dry further and then remove the seeds. Some seeds are found 'in' the dried flowers themselves close to the septals. An example of this is the marigold flower, where you must allow flower to dry on plant. After removing dried flowers from plant, allow to dry completely. Harvest the pods and or dried flowers on a sunny day to ensure they are completely dry.

2.Dry seeds well

Allow the picked pods or flowers to dry even more at room temperature by spreading on a sheet of paper. Leave for 5-7 days to dry. Then remove the seeds. In the case of dried flowers, separate the seeds.

Pre-label the envelopes with the names of plants, description (colors, size, single /double roses, shape, etc.), where taken from and date packaged. Remove any seeds that are wet and moldy and package each seed type in a separate envelope.

3.Store in cool place

Place these envelopes in a thin plastic bag which helps to keep envelopes dry and at the same time since they are thin-walled, allow oxygen through. Store in a cool dark place such as a drawer .

May store envelopes in a tightly closed container and place at the bottom of the refrigerator. You should place a pack of desiccant ( from boxes of any items bought such as shoes or appliances ) in the containers which will absorb any condensation and keep the seeds dry. A way to make your own desiccant is to place a tablespoon of milk powder in paper towel, fold into a square and place in the jar.

Seeds stored well can last more than 2 years and retain viability.

4. Minimum storage time, better viability

Plant seeds as soon as possible since the least time in storage the better the chances of 100% germination. Then simply harvest and store new ones for the following season rather than keep seeds for extended amounts of time. Should also keep a master record of the seeds in storage noting the type of seed and date harvested so that such are used in ample time.

If you purchased the seeds, keep the packet with the instructions and place on or in the seed bag for reuse each time.

Some 'bought' vegetable seeds, such as parsnips and onions may not be suitable for long-term storage, so may be better to use all that were in the packet, and also flower seeds, such as gerbera, violas, delphinium, and regal easter lily.

The experience of storing and replanting your seeds has many benefits attached, such as being able to plant whenever you want and having the same wonderful types of flowers or special peppers, herbs or vegetables to grow and to share always.

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