Seed-Saving Tips

You can plant most perennial seeds in the garden in fall. Start them in a protected spot in loose, well-drained soil. Water them well after planting and give them a covering of mulch. They'll readily sprout in spring.

It's best to store most annual seeds and sow them in the spring. You can plant them directly in the garden or get a jump on the season and start them early indoors.

Some of the easiest perennial flowers to collect seeds from include:

Blackberry lily
Black-eyed Susan
Coneflower
False sunflower
Meadow rue
Obedient plant
Perennial sunflower
Perennial sweet pea
Veronica

Store your completely dried seeds in a cool, dry place in a labeled envelope, jar, or handmade seed packet. Be sure to note the plant's name and preferred growing conditions (such as full sun in moist soil), and any other information you want to remember come planting time. When stored properly, most seeds stay viable three to four years.

Some of the easiest annual flowers to collect seeds from include:

Cleome
Datura
Larkspur
Marigolds
Morning Glory
Nasturtium
Poppy
Snapdragons