The following pictures show different ripe seeds with their seed heads. They also illustrate that ripe seeds, flowers, unripe seeds, and already spent seeds can be present on the same plant. To learn at which time the seeds of different plants are ripe, check out wildplantsfromseed.
1. Collect the ripe seeds, a little goes a long way. The birds will enjoy the rest.
For genetic diversity, it is best to collect seeds from a stand of plants with multiple individuals.
In the wild, never take the first or last seeds to allow the plants to spread. Only take where there is plenty and only very little.
It is not allowed to collect seeds in public parks.
2. Keep the seeds away from light e.g. in a paper envelope in a dry cool place until you want to stratify them.
3. You can check out different methods on how to grow them on our website.
Collecting Seeds from June to November
Be part of the project
At our seed exchange later in winter 2022/23, we will give out free seeds and trays/pots to ambassadors who want to grow native plants for community projects, schools, restoration projects, or their neighbours.
We will facilitate the opportunity to exchange native plant seeds to add variety and genetic diversity to our own gardens.
We will have the following seeds:
New England Aster, Virgin Bower Clematis, Butterfly Weed, Swamp Milkweed, Blue Vervain, Joe Pye Weed, Purple Coneflower, Missouri Ironweed, Dense Blazing Star, Foxglove Beardtongue, Little Bluestem, and more.
Stay tuned for the location and date. You can also follow us on Facebook to know about upcoming events.
Here is how to successfully grow native plants from seed.
You can learn about some important pollinator plants and