A woman came into the greenhouse last summer asking if we had any Lupine plants. I have a beautiful Lupine in bloom and I want several more, she said. Her face fell when I told her that we were sold out of this June-blooming perennial. Why dont you save some seeds from the plant you have now? I asked, You may not get the same color of flower, but you will get many more Lupine. Oh no, she answered as she moved away. I couldnt do that.
Her response was a common one. Americans, once seed-saving (and sharing) pioneers, have evolved into seed-phobic gardeners. In their desire to see a finished garden quickly, many deny themselves the pleasure of nurturing a plant from seed to bloom.
Many gardeners find that growing plants from their own seeds is rewarding despite the occasional uncertainty of how the offspring will look. Watching how the plants develop is part of the adventure of seed saving; the appearance of an unexpected flower color (or, dare we hope, variegated foliage) is the cause of delight. Once the seeds have been germinated, the gardener can select the seedlings and plants that are the most healthy and pleasing.
Saving old or little known varieties of plants is equally satisfying. Occasionally new homeowners will find an unusual perennial growing in a long neglected garden; others are growing plants handed down from their mothers and grandmothers.
Collecting and sharing seeds of such heirlooms insures that future generations of gardeners will be able to have the pleasure of that plants company. And saving seeds is quite simple to do.
Seeds need to be fully mature before being harvested. As flower petals wither and seed pods form and dry, monitor the plant and cut the seed heads before mature seeds blow away or fall on the ground. If you are unable to check the plant frequently, or are unsure when to pick a seedpod, tie a small piece of bridal netting, around the developing pods to catch your crop.
Cut seed heads should be put in a warm, dry place to cure. Lay them whole on a tray lined with paper, or inside a paper bag, and label. Once fully dry, the seeds can be easily separated from the stems, pods and seed heads. Place seeds in paper envelopes and label. Envelopes of seeds should be stored in an airtight jar or plastic carton. Adding a few packets of silica gel that have been recycled from vitamin jars, shoeboxes, or newly purchased electronics helps keep condensation from causing seeds to mold. Store the jar or carton in a cool room or in the refrigerator.
In addition to annual species such as Petunia integrifolia, Silene armeria (Sweet-William Catchfly), Nicotianna alata (Flowering Tobacco), any perennial that is known to seed itself around your garden is easy to start from collected seed. Digitalis (Foxglove), Echinacea (Purple Coneflower), Polemonium (Jacobs Ladder), and Alchemilla (Ladys Mantle) are a few such plants. Other perennials that are satisfying to collect from include the various Campanula varieties (Bellflower), Liatris (Gayfeather), Platycodon (balloon flower) and Hostas.
Until next week, this is Ruth the Grower saying, Many people find that once they begin saving seeds they look at wilted flowers in an entirely new way. Although I encounter many folks with seed phobias, occasionally a fellow convert enters the greenhouse. As I collected pots of plants that were past bloom last summer, a woman tapped me on the shoulder. Are you deadheading those Verbascum? she asked. Would you mind if I took the seeds? Id love for you to have them. I answered. Lets find a paper bag to put them in. Keep writing to ruththegrower@aol.com.
