Strawflowers, with their vibrant, papery petals, are popular for fresh arrangements and dried floral displays. Saving their seeds allows you to propagate these beautiful plants for future seasons or share them, ensuring a continuous supply of these cheerful flowers.
Knowing When to Harvest
Timing is important for successful strawflower seed collection. The ideal moment occurs when flower heads have fully matured and begun to dry naturally on the plant. You will notice the vibrant colors of the petals fading, and the central disc will become fluffy, resembling a dandelion seed head. This fluffy appearance indicates that the seeds are fully developed and ready for release.
Waiting until the flower heads are completely dry on the plant helps ensure seed viability. Examining the flower heads for this distinct papery and fluffy texture confirms they are prepared for harvesting.
Harvesting Strawflower Seeds
Harvesting strawflower seeds begins with selecting healthy, mature flower heads from the plant. Collect seeds on a dry day, ideally in the morning after any dew has evaporated, to prevent moisture-related issues like mold. Using sharp snips or scissors, carefully cut the entire flower head, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Place the harvested heads into a container such as a basket, tray, or paper bag.
Once gathered, extract the small, dark seeds by gently rubbing the dried heads between your hands or rolling them between your fingers to release them from the papery bracts and fluffy material. You can also pluck individual seeds directly from the fluffy center.
After extraction, separate the seeds from the chaff (dried petals and fluffy bits). The seeds are typically small, brown, and firm, making them easy to identify and separate. Discard any shriveled or misshapen seeds, collecting only the firm, brown ones for storage.
Drying and Storing Seeds
After harvesting, thoroughly dry strawflower seeds to prevent mold and ensure long-term viability. Spread the extracted seeds in a single layer on a screen, paper towels, or a shallow tray in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Allow them to air-dry for 7 to 10 days until completely dry. Any residual moisture can lead to spoilage during storage.
Once fully dry, store seeds in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Consistent temperatures and low humidity preserve seed viability for an extended period. Suitable containers include airtight glass jars, plastic bags, or paper envelopes. Label each container with the flower name and harvest date. Stored properly, strawflower seeds can remain viable for 1 to 2 years, and up to 3 to 5 years under ideal conditions.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving
To maximize seed-saving efforts, select seeds from healthy, vigorous strawflower plants that exhibit desirable characteristics, such as abundant blooms and strong growth. This helps ensure the genetic quality of future plants.
While strawflowers are easy to save seeds from, growing multiple varieties in close proximity can lead to cross-pollination. If maintaining specific varieties is a priority, consider isolating them.
Before planting older seeds, test their viability. Place a small sample (e.g., 10 seeds) between moist paper towels, enclose them in a plastic bag, and keep them in a warm location. After 7 to 10 days, count how many have germinated; this percentage provides an indication of the remaining seeds’ potential. If a good percentage sprout, your saved seeds are ready for the next growing season.