Saving Perennial Seeds

Amy Timmerman, Extension Educator Author

10/18/2024 Added

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While most gardeners prefer to grow perennials from established plants in containers or as divisions, transplants, or bare root, growing many perennials successfully from seed is possible.

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[00:00:00.000]This week’s extension update on KBRX Top Dog in Country is from Extension Educator Amy Timmerman.
[00:00:08.100]While most gardeners prefer to grow perennials from established plants in containers or as divisions,
[00:00:12.960]transplants, or bare root, growing many perennials successfully from seed is possible.
[00:00:19.480]When gardeners prefer perennials grown from established plants because
[00:00:23.560]when propagated vegetatively by division or other methods using the plant's vegetative parts
[00:00:29.160](roots, stems, and/or leaves), they result in propagules identical to the parent plant.
[00:00:35.520]Perennials grown from seed will be similar to the parent plant
[00:00:39.520]but may differ in flower color, leaf pattern, size, habit, or other ways.
[00:00:44.700]Sometimes, this variation is not a problem - sometimes, it is even welcome.
[00:00:50.600]However, if you want to maintain a specific trait,
[00:00:53.760]like flower color, the variation from seed propagation is problematic.
[00:00:58.040]Growing perennials from seed offers gardeners a cost-effective and
[00:01:02.040]rewarding way to fill their gardens with a diverse range of plants.
[00:01:06.580]While it requires patience and some basic knowledge, the process can be fulfilling.
[00:01:12.020]So, lets explore how to collect and store perennial seeds.
[00:01:16.300]These are perennials that have simple germination requirements and
[00:01:20.300]grow to blooming size quickly thus making them good candidates to collect seed for 2025 growing season
[00:01:28.160]Columbine, Dianthus, Purple Coneflower, Black-eyes Susan, Oriental Poppy, Hollyhock, Beardtongue or penstemon,
[00:01:37.800]Balloon flower, Delphinium, Butterfly weed, Blanket flower, Yarrow and Coreopsis.
[00:01:45.360]Now, let’s explore how to collect, clean and store the seed.
[00:01:50.220]The late growing season is a good time to collect seeds from many perennials,
[00:01:54.220]but the precise timing will vary from species to species.
[00:01:58.300]Collect seed after it’s been allowed to reach full maturity.
[00:02:02.289]Just as flowers and fruit form at different times on the plant, seeds will mature at different rates.
[00:02:08.009]Collect individual pods or fruit that contain seeds throughout the growing season as they mature.
[00:02:14.060]When seeds are in dry husks or pods, leave them on the plant to dry as long as possible.
[00:02:20.848]If conditions become too wet or cold, entire plants can be harvested and hung to allow seeds to fully mature.
[00:02:28.328]Harvest seed from the best performing plants in the garden.
[00:02:32.068]Save seeds from the plants with the best color, most desirable trait, form or growth habit, and exhibit the fewest disease issues.
[00:02:41.340]This will ensure that future generations will perform well in your garden.
[00:02:45.940]Cleaning methods for seeds will vary from species to species
[00:02:49.900]depending on whether the seeds are in dry or fleshy fruit.
[00:02:55.100]Most perennials produce seeds in dry fruit or pods.
[00:02:59.060]The mature seed can be separated from the chaff in several ways.
[00:03:03.040]Threshing,smashing, and shelling can be used to physically separate the seed from the flower head, husk, or pod.
[00:03:10.940]For some seeds, simply shaking the seed over a container or paper bag will release the seed.
[00:03:16.620]Screening with colanders, sieves, or other screen materials can also be used to separate the seeds from the chaff.
[00:03:23.540]Winnowing separates heavier seeds from lightweight chaff can help by using a fan to blow away the chaff.
[00:03:33.580]Seed lots are often screened or winnowed several times to remove as much chaff as possible.
[00:03:40.040]Seed that will not be sown immediately must be stored properly to maintain viability and good germination at planting time.
[00:03:46.740]Seeds should be kept dry and cool.
[00:03:48.980]A sealed glass jar can keep excess moisture out and protect seeds from pests like mice or insects.
[00:03:56.160]Store jars in a cool, dry location such as a cool chest, root cellar, or refrigerator.
[00:04:02.160]Test the germination rate on the seeds about one month prior to planting.
[00:04:06.559]Ensuring the seed is dry after cleaning and processing is the most important step to successfully storing seed.
[00:04:13.809]Place seed in labeled envelopes.
[00:04:16.069]In a separate envelope, place an equal amount of silica gel.
[00:04:19.569]Place both envelopes into a clean glass jar and seal shut.
[00:04:24.029]After one to two weeks, the seed should be sufficiently dry for storage.
[00:04:29.580]Remove the silica gel and return the envelope to the glass jar.
[00:04:33.440]Some seeds may dry sufficiently by utilizing a fan in a seed drying cabinet.
[00:04:38.420]Avoid using a food dehydrator to dry seeds as they usually get too warm and damage the seed.
[00:04:45.420]If you have any additional questions regarding saving seed for
[00:04:48.704]the 2025 growing season, please reach out to your local extension office.
[00:04:53.640]This has been Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension.

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