Seed saving: A frugal and fun way to get new plants

Saving Hybrid Seeds Can Be Risky

've never been much of  a seed saver, mainly because so many new flowers are hybrids that won't reproduce true to the original plant. Hybrids are a cross between two or more varieties of a plant bred to bring out specific characteristics, such as color, size, shape or growing habit. Planting seeds from a hybrid may result in flowers that differ from the original. Some hybrid seeds may be sterile and fail to germinate.


Sometimes the risk is worth the effort of collecting and drying the seeds because you end up with interesting varieties and save a ton on buying seeds in the spring.

Nasturtium Seeds

Nasturtium seeds always amaze me. These pea-like seeds form in clusters - typically a cluster of three - within days of the bloom. Unless you are meticulous about deadheading your nasturtium flowers, you've probably seen the seeds and simply picked them off and thrown them away.


That was my intention, but then I remembered my mother's jars of seeds from the garden each year and decided it was time I became a little more frugal and saved my own seeds.

Saving Nasturtium Seeds

• Pick nasturtium seeds when they are fully formed.
• Spread the seeds out over a paper towel or folded newspaper to dry.
• Place them in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Turn the seeds to insure even drying.
• Store the dried seeds in a glass jar or other airtight container in a cool, dark place until spring.
• Plant nasturtiums seeds after all danger of frost has passed  in the spring.