Harvesting and Saving Your Own Wildflower Seeds: A Guide

Jars of saved seed. A hand full of bean seeds appears to be dumping them into an open jar.

Harvesting and saving your own wildflower seeds is a great way to enjoy beautiful blooms year after year. Not only will you save money on buying new seeds, but you'll also be helping to preserve the local ecosystem. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to harvest and save your own wildflower seeds.

  1. Choose the right flowers: The best time to harvest wildflower seeds is when the flowers have turned brown and dry. Look for seed heads that are dry, hard, and brown. Avoid collecting seeds from flowers that have been treated with pesticides or that have been cross-pollinated.
  2. Cut the seed heads: Using scissors or pruning shears, cut the seed heads from the plants and place them in a paper bag or a container with a lid. Be careful not to crush the seed heads, as this can damage the seeds.
  3. Dry the seed heads: Once you've harvested the seed heads, allow them to dry in a warm, dry place for a few days. Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the seeds to lose their viability.
  4. Thresh the seeds: Once the seed heads are dry, you can thresh the seeds by gently rubbing the heads between your hands over a piece of paper. Be sure to wear gloves to prevent the seeds from sticking to your hands.
  5. Clean the seeds: After threshing, you'll need to clean the seeds. You can do this by sifting through the seeds and discarding any debris, such as pieces of stems or leaves.
  6. Store the seeds: Once the seeds are clean, store them in a dry, cool place, such as a jar or envelope. Label the container with the name of the flower and the date you harvested the seeds.
  7. Planting: When you're ready to plant your wildflower seeds, you can either broadcast them over a prepared area or plant them in rows. Be sure to choose an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.

By harvesting and saving your own wildflower seeds, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful blooms year after year while also helping to preserve the local ecosystem. With a little bit of care and attention, you'll be able to grow a beautiful wildflower garden that will delight you for many years to come.

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