Expert: Mike Mascio - 10/29/2005

Question
Muskogee, Oklahoma
I like to save seeds from annual flowers and would like to know whether the entire base and petals need to be dry before the seeds are gathered, or if the base is still green, are the seeds not ready?   Do they need to be dried on the stem or if picked green, will they still mature?  Hope this makes sense.  I've always waited until the whole flower was dry but just wondered if that's necessary.  

Thank you.

Answer
Esther, it is advisable to wait until the entire petal is dry to ensure the seeds are fully matured.  However, it is not necessary.  The key is to remove the pod once it is swollen, and then allow the seeds to dry for at least 3 days on a paper towel before storing them.  I store mine in a zip lock bag placed in a sealed tupperware container.  I then place the container in the back of my refrigerator for at least 3 months.  The dry cool condition simulates the dormant period needed for good germination.

I hope this answered your question.

Have a nice weekend.

Mike