Sprouting Seeds
Collecting and Harvesting seeds is a way to perpetuate a garden.
Sprouting Seeds for a Garden in a Term
Plants setting seed is part of the natural cycle in a garden, but harvesting seeds in a term can be difficult as many require a ripening time that extends well beyond a term, especially those contained within fleshy fruits. Some species, however, are quick to produce seeds that are easily collected. Calendula is one of these.
Flowers that have produced viable seed will begin to turn brown, dry out and perhaps even droop. Wait for a sunny, dry day before removing these flowers. Place just enough of them in paper bag to cover the bottom. Leave the flowers in the bag for several days, shaking the bag a few times each day, an action that will begin to separate the Harvesting seeds from the flower debris or chaff.
After several days, empty the bag’s contents onto a shallow tray. Rub the flowers between your hands and let the material fall onto the tray. Shake the tray while gently blowing on the material to separate the seeds from the chaff. Calendula seeds are tiny, light brown and curled, with burrs on one side.
When the seeds have dried out completely, place them in envelopes or
lidded glass jars with labels for sowing next spring. If the containers
are stored somewhere cool, dark and dry, the seeds can remain viable
for many years to come.