How to collect nasturtium seeds in the fall

Are you gardening in zone five or six? If you are, autumn is the perfect time to begin harvesting seeds from your nasturtium plants. Seed collection a fun activity that can involve the whole family. It is also a cost-effective way to make sure you have free seeds available to grow next year. In this blog post, we guide you through the steps necessary to collect nasturtium seeds.

Why Should You Collect Nasturtium Seeds?

One of the brightest flowers you can grow in your summer garden is the nasturtium. That’s what makes it a popular choice for vegetable and flower gardens alike. What is even better is that both the flower and leaves are edible, adding a beautiful touch to any summer salad. If you take a little time to collect seeds you can guarantee that you’ll have nasturtiums in your garden year after year. Plus, by saving your own seeds, you won’t have to rely on what’s available at your local nursery. In our area, we’ve found that orange nasturtium plants are always available. But seeds or established plants of red or purple varieties are harder to come by. By saving seeds each year, we can ensure that we have a wide range of color options for our nasturtiums.

When to Collect Nasturtium Seeds?

The best time to collect nasturtium seeds is when the plant begins to die and has finished blooming. In zones five and six, fall is an ideal time for seed collection. Look for matured seed pods that have dried out; these pods appear tan and wrinkled. It is best to gather the seeds before the first frost to prevent damage or destruction due to cold weather.

How to Collect Nasturtium Seeds

When collecting nasturtium seeds, there are several key steps to follow:

1. Look for mature seed pods: Check your nasturtium plants for brown, wrinkled seed pods resembling small pebbles. These are mature seeds ready for collection.
2. Prepare a collection container: Have a small container, paper bag, or envelope ready to store the seeds. Ensure the seeds are completely dry before storing them. You can continue drying them indoors on a tray before storage.
3. Remove plant debris: While collecting seeds, be careful not to gather other plant debris. Ensure the collected seeds are clean by sifting through them before storage.
4. Store the seeds: After ensuring the seeds are dry and free of debris, place them in a paper bag, envelope, or airtight container. Label the container with the seed type and date of collection for easy reference in the next growing season. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place, ready for planting in spring.

Tips for Successful Nasturtium Seed Collection

1. Choose a dry day for seed collection. Try to prevent excess moisture, which can affect seed viability.

2. Avoid collecting seeds from diseased or pest-infested plants. This will prevent the issues from last season spreading issues to your garden in the future.

3. Are you collecting seeds from many nasturtium varieties? Consider storing them in separate containers to preserve their individual characteristics. If the colour of the nasturtiums doesn’t matter to you, feel free to mix the seeds.

Final Thoughts

Saving nasturtium seeds each fall is a simple process. It ensures beautiful flowers year after year. Follow these steps for a successful seed collection. Happy seed collecting!