Saving Seeds is easier than you think!

Anyone with flowers in their yard can save seeds. Some type of seeds are easier to save than others, but it’s always worth a try! I am no expert and just experiment with my plants. Since different types of seeds require different techniques, I suggest searching the internet for help on the specific seeds you are trying to save. Here are a few basic suggestions from easy to more complicated.

Saving Milkweed Seeds

Don’t let the “weed” part scare you away. Milkweed plants are wonderful perennials for the environment and bring beautiful pollinators to your yard. There are many varieties for all types of situations: part shade, moist, full sun, etc. Most importantly, Monarch butterflies depend on them and many are native to our area!

According to the Illinois DNR, “twenty-four species of milkweeds grow naturally in Illinois. One of those species is not native to the state. Five species are listed as endangered in Illinois, and one of the five is listed as threatened on the federal endangered and threatened species list.”

Milkweed plants are vital to keeping Monarch butterflies alive. There are efforts all over the country to spread milkweed seeds. Some places encourage saving seeds and have special collection locations. The Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative has citizens collect the seeds and bring them to collection centers.

Milkweed seeds are easy to save because at the end of the season, they produce a pod (see picture). Once the seeds have turned brown, the pod will begin to open. Cut the pod off to save the seeds. Note that the seeds are connected to a cotton like substance called floss so there are many tricks to remove the seeds from the floss.

Winter Sowing

Once you have your seeds, you need to decide what to do with them next. The only trick with planting your milkweed is the seeds need stratification (simulated winter) or winter sowing. You can either plant your seeds in the fall, store them in the refrigerator over the winter, or even start mini outdoor greenhouses in late winter. Any way you do it, milkweed will bring you beautiful flowers and hopefully lots of Monarchs to your yard.

Saving Flower Seeds

Last year, I was sitting outside on my parent’s porch and looking at the flowers dying at the end of the summer. I went inside, got a scissors and some paper bags. I randomly cut off the dead flower heads, labeled the bags, and stored them in the garage. This year I planted some just to see what happened.

The results: marigolds, cosmos and petunias!

I’ve already started saving my seeds this year! I like to put the dead flowers in paper lunch bags. Some seeds are larger and easy to collect. After they have dried, I usually transfer them to smaller paper envelopes (like key envelopes).

Others I have just left in the paper bags. Try it and see what you get!

Saving Tomato Seeds

Some vegetables, like tomatoes, are a bit more intimidating. The seeds can be dried and maybe used the next year. A better process is to ferment them. Basically you save the pulp, juice and seeds in a container for several days. After about three days, you remove the pulp and juice and add more water. The viable seeds should sink to the bottom. Again, a good internet search can give you more details.

Nothing tastes like a homegrown tomato so see what happens!

The fine print: Is seed saving illegal in some states?

No, the seed police are not going to chase you down in your backyard. However, by law, certain plants and seeds are patented. When you buy plants from a big box store, read the tag. Sometimes there is wording about “UNLICENSED PROPAGATION PROHIBITED.” This usually applies to reproducing plants from cuttings, not seeds. So called “seed-preemption laws” make the decisions about seeds up to the state and not the local government.

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Under provisions of the PVP law and regulations growers and home gardeners can grow, and save seed for their own future planting, of any legally purchased protected variety they wish. However some protected varieties that are sold may have other limitations due to patents or contracts and may not be saved for future planting. It is best to review the seed package label carefully for restrictions that may apply.