Expert: Mike Mascio - 10/6/2003

Question
Hello!
I have been planting Nasturiums from seeds for the past few years, but this year (as I am taking the plants out for the winter) I noticed that the plants have what appears to be seeds growing on them.  They are about the size of a pea, and green.  Are they seeds?  If so, I would like to keep them to replant in the spring, so I would like to know how to best store them.  We live in Ontario, Canada so the winter's are quite severe.  Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks, Denise

Answer
Denise, the sacs you see are the storage pods for seeds.

Seeds need a dormant period of least three months before they will germinate.  Some seeds require up to one year.

Before storing seed, you need to allow the seeds to dry for at least two days.  At that time, place them in a ziplock plastic bag.  Store the bag in a plastic tupperware container in the back of your refrigerator.  This process keeps the seeds cool and dry while allowing the seeds to enter the state of dormancy necessary for germination next spring.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike