Seed saving - worthwhile, and how?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Fat Controller, Aug 11, 2013.

  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    Having spent loads of time whipping dead heads off plants recently, it occurred to me that before too long I might be as well letting them set seed and then collecting those seeds for next year; is there any point in doing so, and if so how is it done?

    For example, I notice that a few of my African marigolds have their dead heads packed with seeds, and they would be reasonably easy to extract, however how would I dry them out and store them. Also, my petunias - they are from a packet that was marked 'F1'; does this mean that they are sterile?
     
  2. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    I don't know about F1 hybrids, but the marigolds should be fine. I collect various seeds. I leave the heads on the plant for as long as I dare, til its almost ready to sow its own seeds. Then I shake them out into ordinary envelopes, write on what they are, and put them in the bottom of my cupboard.

    So far I've only really bothered for really easy stuff like nasturtium, English marigolds, and opium poppies, but this year so far I've also collected seeds from sweet williams, california poppy, regular wild poppies, big giant allium things, and various wild flowers.

    Is it worthwhile? I'd say so. You get a lot of seeds for nowt. A packet of seeds can cost a couple of quid, and if you're trying your best to be a bit tight, you have to pick and choose, but if you collect seeds, you have a range of free stuff then you only need to buy any new addition stuff.
     
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      Is there no drying required? Or is it simply a case of popping them in envelopes and letting then dry out in an airing cupboard or something?
       
    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      I don't dry them out. The envelopes, being paper, presumably absorb any excess moisture. I've not seen any rot since I've been using that technique. My opium poppies are quite likely growing all over the country by now, as I offer them on here for free if I have an excess in any particular year.
       
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      • Fat Controller

        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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        Thanks mate :) - time to dig some envelopes out then! :blue thumb:
         
      • "M"

        "M" Total Gardener

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        You could pop them in your airing cupboard, FC. Just to be extra, extra sure that you haven't got a damp one to ruin the whole batch.

        Also, collecting your own seed = joining the GC Seed Swap!!! :yes:
        Or, not (if you don't want to :heehee: )
         
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        • Fern4

          Fern4 Total Gardener

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          I've collected some different seeds up to now with others in the garden not ready. I'm not sure if I'm doing it right but I've got them drying out on paper plates on top of a cupboard. I was thinking that if I put them straight onto an envelope any moisture may make them go mouldy.

          I've collected chives, echium russicum, calendula, marigolds, scabious, california poppies, pink and purple toadflax, and different types of nasturtiums amongst others. It's definately worth collecting them especially if you've put your name down for the GC seed swap. :blue thumb:
           
        • sumbody

          sumbody Gardener

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          I put them in a bit of kitchen roll folded up around them to take any moisture that might be lurking. Works well with pods that will burst inside.

          S
           
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          • Fat Controller

            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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            Thanks - I'm not sure that my seeds will be much use to anyone else (although if I successfully save some, I am of course willing to share), as they are pretty bog standard stuff; mainly marigolds, lavatera and malva to be honest.
             
          • Phil A

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            The F1 seed just won't grow true to type, you could get some interesting variations.
             
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            • Fat Controller

              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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              As long as I get petunias from them, I don't really mind what colour they are.
               
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              • Phil A

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              • Fern4

                Fern4 Total Gardener

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                I don't think it matters. Plenty of people like to grow marigolds, lavateras and malvas. You might see something in the seed swap parcel you fancy growing. :)
                 
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                • clueless1

                  clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                  I have two envelopes full of birds foot trefoil pods. I'll be opening them soon to try to grow some birds foot trefoil turf. I'm hoping the pods have burst open.
                   
                • Phil A

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                  You'll open the envelope just in time to get them pop straight into both eyes :biggrin:

                  Ever eaten Himalayan Balsam pods? They explode with the heat of your mouth.
                   
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