Collecting seeds

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Gathering Flower Seeds

Seed gathering goes on all through the summer and into the autumn. It is worth while when there is a good strain and when the flower is one of association. It is not worth while, in many cases, going to the trouble for the sake of mere economy, for seed is comparatively inexpensive. Poppy seed, for instance, is easily saved, but gathering and drying China aster seed is bothersome and it means the sacrifice of several blossoms to concentrate strength in one.

Some seed, like that of the fraxinella, must be gathered before the pods split; or it will be scattered far and wide. Upright receptacles, such as the columbine and iris have, may be left until they have split a bit. Generally the seed is dead ripe when the pod, or in the case of composite flowers the head, is brown. , Cut off pods carefully, so as not to spill any of the seed, and place in a saucer to dry; if the seeds are of the shooting kind, cover the saucer to prevent their escape. Usually they will dry sufficiently in a day. Shake out any seed remaining in the pods and throw the latter away. Then winnow the chaff by blowing gently with the breath across the saucer. Dry composite heads by hanging them up in a paper bag, out of the reach of mice, for a fortnight or more; then shake or pick out the seeds and get rid of the refuse.

For carrying seeds through the winter, or for making up packets for friends, the little manila pay envelopes that open at one end will be found very serviceable. Seed that is as fine as dust must first be folded in tissue paper; otherwise it is likely to leak out of a corner of the envelope. Or, instead of the envelope, a small piece of white paper folded after the manner of a druggist's powder wrapper will do. Label the packages with ink, and be sure to state the year as well as the kind of seed.