Expert: C.L. Fornari - 3/9/2011

Question
Hi,
I am from India and presently the winter season has gone and Spring has set in. Please advise me how I can save the seeds of flowers such as Sweet Williams, Gazenia, Dianthus, Cineraria, Salvia and Marigolds for the next flowering season. Thanks.

Sanjaya Kala, Allahabad, India

Answer
Sanjaya,
Some plants are easier to save seeds from than others, and you may not get the exact same size and flower color the second year, but that said, it's an enjoyable and thrifty way to keep plants from year to year.  Here's what you can do:

Let some of the old flowers on your plants stay there after they've wilted. You don't want to pick them too early, so wait until they are brown and practically falling off the plant. Some people either put small cloth bags around some of the wilted flowers to catch seeds, or tie light weight cloth around them to do the same thing.  In any case you want to wait until most of the plant is shutting down after the season or until the seeds start to fall out on their own.

Once you have them off of the plant, spread them out to dry for a couple of days and then put them in a paper envelope or folded piece of paper. Label the envelope or paper with the name of the plant. Tuck these in a clean jar or plastic carton and store it in a dark place that might be cool but not below freezing.  Leave them there until it's time to plant next season.

I hope this helps,
C.L.