10 Essential Flower Seeds to Save This August

10 Essential Flower Seeds to Save This August

As we embrace the gardening continuum, August offers a unique blend of plants in full bloom, preparing for their next performance, and gently bowing out. This transitional month is perfect for collecting seeds from those botanical stars winding down their seasons. Let’s explore the flower seeds that you should consider saving this August for your future garden projects.

1. Foxgloves (Digitalis)

While helping a friend select non-allergenic plants for her garden, we discovered that foxgloves were an ideal choice. Their bell-shaped flowers, hanging gracefully, contain pollen yet remain less likely to trigger allergies.

To harvest the tiny seeds, I save the entire pod. Fortunately, I had leftovers from last year, allowing us to start her foxgloves immediately. The best method is to hold the pod over a jar and gently shake to release the seeds.

2. Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)

Hollyhocks are synonymous with summer vacations for me, particularly in July. By August, their vibrant blooms turn to seed pods, each containing 20 to 30 seeds. These biennials bloom in their second year, so saving seeds ensures continuity in your garden.

Gathering seeds is straightforward; just allow some to self-seed while collecting others. For more ideas on caring for hollyhocks post-flowering, check out my previous article.

3. Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)

Having nurtured Sweet William from a biennial to a perennial, I can confirm that this plant rewards patience. Blooming begins in May and peaks by July. To extend their flowering period, regular deadheading is essential.

Once they begin to fade, I dry the seed heads and gently shake them to release the seeds, while ensuring to remove any caterpillar larvae that may reside within.

4. Echinacea

Commonly known as coneflower, Echinacea is a resilient plant worth preserving. It thrives through the winter months and can be pruned back in spring rather than fall. Harvest seed heads at the end of August without disturbing the plant.

Simply scratch the seed heads over a jar or cut them, let them dry, and store them in a paper envelope.

5. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)

There’s no such thing as having too many snapdragons in your garden. These biennials or sometimes short-lived perennials produce numerous tiny seeds, making annual renewal ideal.

To collect, I prefer to remove the entire pod over a jar and shake it gently to release the seeds easily.

6. Sage (Salvia)

Starting sage from seed has been a gratifying journey. After relocating it for optimal sunlight and drainage, it flourished beautifully. Now, I give away seed packets to fellow gardeners keen to learn.

For collection, I snip the dry pods and strip off the seed heads, which are manageable since the seeds are relatively large. A quick shake in a colander helps separate the seeds from chaff.

7. Pansies (Viola)

Though readily available at garden stores, pansies that I cultivate from seed tend to outshine their store-bought counterparts. Once the petals have fallen, the seed pods form into a distinctive star shape.

It’s crucial to harvest pansy seeds promptly, as they disperse quickly. I cut the entire pod and store it in a jar to cure before planting in spring, often mixing different types for surprise blooms.

8. Poppies (Papaver)

Poppies tend to reseed themselves, but to control their placement, collection is key. Their small seeds can easily be blown away, so collection is vital.

Gently tap the seed pods above a glass to catch the falling seeds, and it’s wise to leave the pods intact for the winter, as they continue to supply seeds when the time is right.

9. Honesty (Lunaria annua)

Known by several names including silver dollar, honesty evolves beautifully from flowers to beautiful pods reminiscent of modern stained glass. They transition from purple blooms to silver pods that disperse seeds in late fall.

As a biennial, it’s essential to collect some seeds in August to ensure blooms for the following year. I typically leave two-thirds of the pods on the plant while collecting the rest.

10. Rose Campion (Silene coronaria)

My admiration for rose campion has grown tremendously. Their striking pink flowers coupled with silver foliage create a captivating contrast. As they fade by August, I cut and dry the entire seed head.

Ensure to check for pests that may have found a home in the pods before storing your seeds.

Storing Your Seeds

You can plant your collected seeds immediately, or store them in labeled paper packets within a sealed container in a cool, dark place. Adding a desiccant like silica gel can help preserve their condition.

Keep in mind that many seeds undergo cold stratification naturally, so you may want to refrigerate them until spring if you’re postponing planting.

Conclusion

Saving flower seeds this August not only enhances your garden’s diversity for next season but also connects you with nature’s rhythm. By collecting seeds from these essential flowers, you can cultivate your unique haven while ensuring the continuation of beautiful blooms for years to come.