00:00Fall is here, but that doesn't mean you need to say goodbye to all of those summer blooms.
00:05I'll show you 7 flower seeds you can collect now so you can enjoy a stunning garden next spring.
00:10And it's easier than you think.
00:13All you need is a few simple tools.
00:15Your sharpest pruners, some paper bags or envelopes, a storage box, and just a little time in your garden.
00:23First, you'll need to wait until your flower seed heads are fully brown and dry,
00:27usually about a month after they've faded.
00:30Use your shears to snip off the seed heads and then separate the seeds from the petals.
00:35Fully mature seeds will come out easily.
00:39Spread the seeds onto a box, paper bag, or even a cookie sheet for a few days until completely dry.
00:46Finally, store the seeds in a cool dry and dark place until spring.
00:51Seed storage boxes or envelopes work great.
00:54I've shared some of my favorite seed saving tools in the description below.
00:59Now that you know how to harvest and store your seeds properly,
01:02let's go over the top 7 that are easy to collect and grow reliably.
01:08Let's start with a gardener's favorite, sunflowers.
01:11Sunflowers are one of the easiest seeds to save.
01:14Wait until the petals fall and the back of the flower head turns yellow or brown.
01:19If it's not completely dry, just cut it off and hang it up somewhere.
01:23Rub the seeds out by hand and store until next year.
01:29Zinnias are another annual that readily produces seeds you can save.
01:33Just make sure they're open-pollinated varieties, not hybrids.
01:36Even if different varieties do cross, you might end up with something unique and interesting to enjoy next year.
01:43Let the seed heads dry to a dark brown, then gently rub or tap them to release the seeds.
01:50Calendula produces large, curly seeds that are easy to identify.
01:54Wait until the seed heads are brown and dry, rub them between your fingers, and you've got a batch ready
01:59for next year.
02:00They're great for indoor seed starting or direct sowing in the spring.
02:05Nasturtium seeds form inside pods that turn brown and dry when they're ready.
02:10Snap them off, let them dry a bit more if needed, and store them for spring planting.
02:16Nasturtiums are fun to grow, not only for their blooms, but also for their edible flowers and leaves.
02:23Cosmos seeds are long, narrow, and slightly curved.
02:26Simply crack the dried seed head or rub it between your fingers to collect the seeds.
02:31They're easy to grow directly in your garden after the first frost or start indoors a few weeks early.
02:38Snapdragon seed pods are unique and easy to identify.
02:42They look like tiny skulls.
02:43Once brown and dry, roll or shake the pods to release the small black seeds.
02:48These are perfect to start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
02:54Last on my list are coneflowers.
02:56They are perennials, so it may take a couple of years for them to bloom from the saved seeds.
03:01Collect the dried heads in a paper bag, shake to loosen the seeds, and scrape the rest off.
03:07You can even sow them in fall 10-12 weeks before the first frost.
03:13Collecting and saving flower seeds has become one of my favorite fall gardening tasks.
03:17Not only does it save money, but it also ensures a garden full of beautiful blooms year after year.
03:23A little effort today means big rewards tomorrow.
03:27Share in the comments what seeds you've had success harvesting.
03:31We'd love to hear.
03:32Thanks for watching and happy gardening!
