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| Hollyhock seeds are shown after cleaning |
It’s that all-important time of year to harvest what
nature so graciously and abundantly left behind—a plethora of seeds for next
year’s garden.
As each hollyhock blossom wilts and dies, in its place
grows a delightful flat, green pod. As the
pod browns and begins to open, it’s time to harvest the seeds. Inside the pod is a disc of 40-50 ripened
seeds. Pull the pod from the stalk and
sort the chaff from the seeds.*
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| Cosmos seeds on left and nasturtiums on right |
Cosmos’ spent flowers leave behind long, spindly seeds
gathered into a cone. As the cone dries
and opens, pluck the seed bunch from the stalk and separate the seeds.
Nasturtium seeds grow 2 to 3 in a paired or triangular
bundle. When they are plump, green and
ready to fall off, pluck them from the vine and allow them to dry and wrinkle
up before storing.
Viola seed pods are tiny and easy to miss. A small, brown cone forms from the spent
viola flower. As the cone opens in a
triangular fashion, an abundance of tiny seeds are grouped within. Pull the cone off and collect the seeds.
Store all seeds in a cool, dark place.
*Place
seeds inside a folded piece of heavy paper and gently blow on them. This often separates the lighter chaff from
the heavier seeds.
Maureen
Lyttle
Writer/Artist/Gardener
