Lenny Librizzi
When we save seeds, we continue the ancient tradition while ensuring that species do not become extinct. The intrinsic character of the plant is preserved as well as its ability to resist disease and tolerate climate and soil conditions. Seeds that are saved over many years slowly develop these biological adaptations for survival.
This article contains basic information about collecting, cleaning, and storing native seeds. It is a step-by-step introduction to native plant seed saving. At the end there are resources for those who want to learn more or find out more about the specific requirements for saving seeds of a particular species. You can download a pdf of this article as a brochure for future reference.
Seed Collecting
If you have ever gone for a hike and brushed up against the plants along the path you will often find seeds stuck to your clothing. That’s a form of seed collecting usually performed by animals. Seeds are dispersed to new locations this way. When we purposely collect seeds we gather them in envelopes or bags for further processing.
It is important to collect seeds that are fully mature. Signs of maturity include faded or dried flowers or puff-like flower tops. Plants that produce pods will have mature seed when the pods are exposed and brown. If the flower heads or pods grow on a stalk the optimum time to harvest is when most of the seeds are ripe. Waiting for the last seed pod to ripen will risk losing the seeds that were first ripe.
Seed collectors keep a seed journal and note the date, location, botanical name and any other pertinent information on the envelope or bag.
Seeds come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some seeds are as small as a speck of dust while others are larger and easier to handle. Some seeds have hard coats. Generally when seeds are mature or ripe, they turn from white or green to cream or from light brown to dark brown.
As a general rule of thumb, never collect more than 20% of the seeds in an area. Collect seeds from several different plants to assure some degree of genetic diversity. Don’t collect seed if there is only a single individual of a species and generally don’t collect seeds from perennials in their first season. It is forbidden to collect seeds on certain parklands. Make sure you know the rules, who owns the land and if certain plants have protected status.
Useful Tools and Supplies for Seed Collection
- A pair of pruning shears to cut the seed heads off the plant makes it easy to collect a bunch of flower heads.
- Gloves will help avoid getting stuck with spines on some seeds.
- Paper and plastic bags to hold the seeds you collect and some larger sack or backpack to keep the smaller bags and supplies.
- Pens or markers to label the bags with pertinent information
- A booklet or seed journal to take notes.
Seed Processing
Most seeds will have material that needs to be separated from the seeds before storing. This will save room and prevent mold if there is any moisture present in the excess material commonly called chaff.
Depending on the size of the seed, use screens, flat pans, or stuff shiny paper or cardboard to separate the seeds from the chaff. Finer material can be removed by rolling the seeds around and blowing gently as the seeds are usually heavier and darker than the chaff. This can be a messy process so do it in a place that is easily cleaned afterward.
Screens with different size openings can help isolate the seeds if only the seeds or chaff can pass through.
Seeds with wings or feathery attachments can be placed in a bag and shaken to loosen the seeds from the attachments. The wings can then easily be removed and the seed saved.
Rolling pins, pliers, a mortar and pestle or other common household items can help in processing seeds.
Seed Storage
Make sure to label all packets or containers with all of the information you might need. Include the date, seed type and any special treatment that might be necessary as well as the characteristics and the cultural requirements of the plant from which the seed was saved.
Store seeds in a cool dry place in seed or coin envelopes or self-made packets. Make sure seeds are completely dry. If they are exposed to air they can reabsorb moisture. Jars with tight fitting caps can also be used. If your seeds require cold treatment either plant in the ground in the fall or store them in the freezer for the recommended amount of time.
Resources
Books
The New Seed Savers Handbook by Nancy Bubel
Growing and Propagating Wild Flowers by Harry R. Phillips
The Complete Guide to Saving Seed: 322 Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, Flowers, Trees, and Shrubs by Robert Gough
Saving Seeds: A Home Gardener’s Guide to Preserving Plant Biodiversity by Dan Jason
Websites
Xerces Society’s “Collecting and Using Your Own Wildflower Seed” (pdf)
North American Native Plant Society’s “Seed Collecting and Saving”
Greenbelt Native Plant Center’s “Seed Collecting and Banking”
USDA Forest Service’s “Collecting Native Seed”
Lenny Librizzi is an experienced environmentalist and community garden expert. More of his work can be found on his blog, Community Gardening, and his podcast, And Now a Word From Our Environment.
