As summer slips into autumn, perennial plants morph into sepia-toned, ripening seedheads. Promisingly plump pods, just about to burst, are intent on ingeniously scattering seeds by their thousands. Intervene at the right time and we can steal a fraction of nature’s bounty for our own cultivation, saving pounds on single plant or commercial seed prices.
Harvesting your own seed is easy and economical, and germination rates are typically high. With guidance you can create lots of new plants to bulk up those already thriving in your garden, safeguard favourite perennials against winter loss and discover new and interesting variations among the seeds’ offspring. There’ll also be plenty of seed or seedlings left over to share or swap with family, friends and neighbours, or use in seed-exchange schemes.
Bees and other pollinating insects are instrumental in facilitating the creation of viable seed.
