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Saving Herb Seeds

© Laurel Morris

Don't overlook the bounty that can be harvested from herb seeds! Saved seeds can be used for bringing back a favorite plant next growing season, for use as a seasoning or medicinal use, or a combination of uses. Growing plants from seeds is fast and easy for most annuals, and there is nothing better than fresh seed for all uses.

The general rule for when to harvest seeds is to look for the seed head to dry and mature. If seeds are "green", they will not be at a stage where they can reproduce, and will not keep for any length of time. On most plants, seeds will turn brown when they are mature.

Materials Required:

pruners or garden scissors

clean paper bags

marking pen

seed packaging or storage containers (see below)

COLLECTING

Collecting seeds is not difficult to do successfully, but skills can be improved with practice. When seeds are mature, prune whole seed stalks and place upside down in paper bags. Secure the top of the bag and label with the type of seed and the date. Place the bag in a dry place. The bags can be hung similar to fresh herb bunches. Wait at least two to three weeks. This waiting time allows for the seeds to completely dry out, and will improve the chances for successful storage.

PROCESSING

Once your seeds are dry, open the bag and start processing. This differs with each type of plant. For instance, with basil, many pinhead-sized seeds are contained in small pods. These pods can be "popped" and the seeds will fall out. Be sure to have a bowl underneath for collecting. The idea is to separate the seeds from the rest of the matter. With dill, seeds are attached to an umbel "spray". Using the thumb and forefinger, these seeds can be pulled off into a bowl. Calendula seeds can be pulled out of a flower head.

STORAGE

Depending on the use of the specific seed, packaging will vary. For culinary or medicinal use, the choice may be a spice jar. For future seed starting, good choices are the little sealable plastic "snack bags" or coin envelopes. The key is to label with not only the seed identification but the month and year. This way seed stock can be rotated to insure freshness and viability.

*Other examples of herb seeds which can be collected are: amaranth, parsley, anise, barley, caraway, chervil, coriander, milk thistle, musk mallow, flax.

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