High Desert Gardening-Collecting Seeds

Most perennials will set seed starting in midsummer and through the late summer.

Make sure to collect your seeds on a dry day after the seed heads are formed and just as the plant is ready to disperse its seeds. If you observe your plants on a regular basis, you will become aware of their seeding habits.

To begin, you"ll need:

* piece of paper
* fine sieve (optional)
* small envelopes or jars with lids
* pen

"Happiness held is the seed;
Happiness shared is the flower."

1. Cut the seed heads; place in a paper bag. Take indoors and place them on a piece of paper. Depending on the way a particular plant seeds you can either strip the stems of seeds, shake off the seeds or break open the center of each seedhead and release the seeds by rubbing them between your palms.

2. Clean the seed by removing any surrounding chaff, leaves or debris. You can use a sieve or just blow the chaff away (don't blow the Centrantus or it will all fly away!). If the seed is surrounded by a fleshy berry, mash the berries up with some water, and press them through a sieve. Allow the seeds to dry.

3. Place the seeds in an envelope or a jar; seal and label.

4. Store in a dry place until spring.

The following examples show blooming and seeding images of some of the perennial plants in my garden, along with plant facts and basic requirements.

White seeds on Centranthus~Centranthus in full bloom

Height: 24-36 inches
Spacing: 18 inches apart
Hardiness: Zones 5-8 (USDA)
Exposure: Full Sun to partial or light shade
Flower colors: Magenta or White
Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer
If old blooms are trimmed off, will re-bloom in late Summer or early Fall
Water requirements: Water requirements: Drought-tolerant but needs regular water until established.

This is an attractive plant and the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds love it.
Flowers are good for cutting.
Self-sowing. If you do not want volunteer seedlings make sure to deadhead the plant.
Do this when seeds are almost ready to 'fly' and you can collect them and plant where you like.

Gaura in full bloom. Inset-seeds on stem of flower

Height: 18-24 inches
Spacing: 2 to 3 feet apart
Hardiness: Zones 6-9 (USDA)
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Flower color: Pale pink, white, pink
Bloom time: Mid to late Summer and early Fall
Water requirements: Drought-tolerant, great for xeriscapes, water regularly until established.
Collect seed pods when flowers fade and allow to dry.

Seedheads ready to collect on Stipa grass

Height: 2-3 feet
Spacing: 18 inches apart
Hardiness: Zone 7-10 (USDA)
Exposure: Full sun
Flower color: cream/tan clusters of seeds
Bloom time: Early to mid-summer
Water requirements: Average. Do not over water.

Self sowing; Seeds freely. Collect seeds before they disperse and deadhead the grass if you do not want volunteer seedlings.

Kniphofia blooming with seeds forming on stem ~ dried seeds ready to harvest

Height: 2-3 feet
Spacing: 2-3 feet apart
Hardiness: Zone 5-10 (USDA)
Exposure: Full sun
Flower colors: Orange, Red-orange, Bright Yellow
Bloom Time: Mid-Summer to Late-Summer
Water requirements: Average water. Water regularly but don't over water.
This plant resists deer.
It also attracts lots of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds

Seeds ready for harvest ~ Hollyhock in bloom

Biennial/perennial
Height: 6-8 feet
Spacing: 18-24 inches apart~for larger varieties, 2-3 feet apart
Hardiness: Zones 3-10 (USDA)
Exposure: Full sun
Flower colors: all from white to dark purple/black
Bloom Time: Mid-summer
Water requirements: average water, water regularly but don't over water

Self sowing. Collect seeds and sow or deadhead if you don't want volunteer seedlings.

Seeds ready to drop ~ Yarrow in bloom

Height: 2-3 feet
Spacing: 18 inches apart
Hardiness: Zones 3-10 (USDA)
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Flower color: Golden Yellow
Bloom Time: Mid to Late Summer
Water requirements: Drought tolerant but needs regular water until established

Self sowing. Collect seeds and sow or deadhead if you don't want volunteer seedlings.

Other varieties of yarrow do not propagate by seed, but by division. Check online for your particular cultivar for more information.