This years seed crop

[Ali]

Not wanting to disrupt the saving seeds and sowing seeds thread (which has turned into green manure).

Have just been out collecting seeds, was such a lovely hot few days that they are ripe n ready.

To be frank I've never really done much of it before. Yes Calendulas/marigolds but not much else.

Am chuffed to bitz!

Have collected:
Dahlia
Belle de Jour
Dill
'Opium type' poppy
Californian Sunflower
Cornflower
Tobacco/nicotiana (spl)
ever lasting sunflower (which are perens and adorable)
and calendula again

It was very much like taking venom from a snake (which I've never done but watched) - what a lovely feeling tipping all these eager seeds willingly into envelopes and knowing that next years flowers will be free'ish.

BIG QUESTION - now I have them in envelopes what is the best way to store them, how, and when to sow?

[Deleted]

Ali, this forum has become Seed Saving Central! Elkay has a thread on this too! Would like to point out that Oddsox - cool dude, what happened to 'im? - was first off the blocks and his memory could've lived on if you'd've posted there!

I think the basic advise for storing is cool - like Oddsox - dry and airtight. Oh, and dark. To ensure dryness, without which we get mouldy seeds, I put a bit of kitchen roll in the container (jar?) to absorb any moisture given off by the seeds. Avoid high drying temps, which could reduce germination rates later.

When to sow? May, the month, earlier in your posh greenhouse. That's all I can say on this subject at this time...

[Deleted]

And oddsox's thread has not 'turned into' green manures. It ploughs a straight furrow on the theme of saving seeds and sowing seeds, without straying off-topic, which is what you're incinerating at this time .....