In late summer and early fall, I like to start gathering seeds from vegetables and flowers to plant in the coming year. I continually deadhead flowers in the spring and summer so that new blooms appear. Deadheading is the process of removing spent or faded flowers from plants. This gardening technique encourages plants to redirect their energy from seed production to develop more blooms, promoting a more extended flowering season. Deadheading also improves the plant’s appearance by preventing it from looking scraggly or untidy.
Harvesting seeds from flowers in late summer or early fall is a great way to save favorite plants for future seasons and promote a more sustainable garden. The best time to collect seeds is when flowers have matured, their seed heads are dry, and they are starting to split open. Common flowers for seed harvesting include marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos.
To harvest, wait for a dry day, then cut the seed heads or pods from the plant. Place them in a paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place to dry thoroughly. Once dry, gently break open the seed heads to release the seeds. Remove any plant debris, as this can introduce mold during storage.