When To Harvest Calendula Seeds
Are you a gardener who wants to harvest calendula seeds but doesn't know when is the best time to do it? If so, you're in the right place. Harvesting calendula seeds can be a tricky task, but with the right knowledge and tools, you'll be able to do it with ease.
Potential Problems with Harvesting Calendula Seeds
There are a few pain points that gardeners may have when it comes to harvesting calendula seeds. First, knowing when to harvest them can be confusing. If you wait too long, the seed pods will open and the seeds will fall out. Second, the seeds need to be completely dry before storing them. If not, they may mold or rot during storage.
When to Harvest Calendula Seeds
The best time to harvest calendula seeds is when the flower heads have turned brown and dry. You can do a quick test by gently shaking a dry and mature flower head. If you hear the seeds rattling inside, then they are ready to be harvested. Cut the flower heads off with a scissors or pruners and place them in a paper bag or envelope. Hang the bag or envelope upside down in a dry and cool place for a few weeks, until the flower heads are completely dry.
Main Points to Keep in Mind:
- Harvest when flower heads have turned brown and dry.
- Test by shaking flower heads gently to hear seeds rattling inside.
- Cut flower heads off with scissors or pruners and place in paper bag or envelope.
- Hang the bag or envelope upside down in a dry and cool place for a few weeks until the flower heads are completely dry.
Personal Experience with Harvesting Calendula Seeds
As a gardener, I have harvested calendula seeds many times. I usually wait until the flower heads have turned completely brown and dry, and then I test to see if the seeds rattle inside. Once I've confirmed that they are ready to be harvested, I cut the flower heads off and place them in a paper bag or envelope. I then hang the bag or envelope upside down in a dry and cool place for a few weeks until the flower heads are completely dry.
Storing Calendula Seeds:
Once the flower heads are completely dry, open the bag or envelope and gently remove the seeds. Store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, and keep the container in a cool and dry place. Make sure that the container is labeled with the date and type of seed.
Best Practices for Harvesting Calendula Seeds
It's important to keep the following things in mind when harvesting calendula seeds:
- Harvest only dry and mature flower heads.
- Test the flower heads to see if the seeds rattle inside.
- Allow the flower heads to dry completely before storing.
- Store the seeds in a cool and dry place in an airtight container.
Common FAQs About Harvesting Calendula Seeds:
Q: Can I harvest calendula seeds when the flower heads are still green?
A: No, it's best to wait until the flower heads have turned completely brown and dry.
Q: How long do I need to dry the flower heads before removing the seeds?
A: It's recommended to dry the flower heads for at least 2-3 weeks before removing the seeds.
Q: Can I store the seeds in a plastic bag?
A: It's best to store the seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, to keep them dry and protected from moisture.
Q: Will my harvested seeds grow into the same type of calendula plant?
A: Yes, as long as the parent plant was an open-pollinated or heirloom variety. If the parent plant was a hybrid, the offspring may not grow true to type.
Conclusion
Harvesting calendula seeds requires patience and attention to detail. Knowing when to harvest the seeds, how to dry them, and how to store them can make all the difference in their viability. By following the tips and best practices above, you can successfully harvest and store calendula seeds for future growing seasons.
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