Harvesting seeds from your blooms is a lovely way to continue growing flowers from the original seed you once planted. It’s easy to do and only takes a little time to ensure your garden is filled with your favourite flowers for the seasons to come.
We are using Cosmos Sensation Mix, an annual as the example, but these steps cover all types of annual and perennial flowers.
The seeds are ready to harvest once the flowers have completed blooming and the petals have fallen off. At this moment is when you would typically deadhead your blooms, but to save the seed it’s recommended to leave them a little longer to mature.
A Cosmos seed head will look dry and colourless when it is ready, something like this:
Follow these steps to harvest the seeds:
- Remove the flower head with garden scissors or a knife.
- Collect the mature seeds from the flower head. You will know they are ready to harvest when they fall into your hand once rubbed. If too young they will be green and won’t show any movement.
- Dry the seeds for a week. For this, paper is the best material to sit them on.
- Clean the seeds by removing any husks or pods.
- Place seeds in an envelope and seal. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry location.
Viola! Once the time has returned, sow direct or raise seedlings in springtime.
