How to Collect Black Eyed Susan Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide
A garden full of black-eyed susans can bring a smile to anyone’s face with their bright yellow colour and dark centres. These flowers are not only beautiful, but they also have a unique way of propagating themselves through seeds. If you want to expand your garden or share these stunning flowers with your friends, then the best way is to collect their seeds. In this article, we will guide you on how to collect black-eyed susan seeds in a few easy steps.
Step 1: Choose the Right Time
The first step in collecting black-eyed susan seeds is to wait until the blooms have faded and turned brown. This usually happens towards the end of summer, around August or September. At this stage, the flower heads will dry out, and the seeds will be mature enough to harvest.
Timing is everything when it comes to seed collection – if you wait too long, the seeds may fall out of the flower head and scatter around your garden or get eaten by birds. So make sure to check your black-eyed susan plants regularly during late summer to ensure that you don't miss the perfect time to collect the seeds.
Step 2: Harvest the Seeds
Once the flowers have dried out, it's time to harvest the seeds. To do this, use a pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut off the entire flower head. Make sure to hold the stem firmly near the base of the plant before cutting to avoid damaging the plant itself.
Next, place the flower heads upside down in a paper bag, taking care not to crush them. The bag should be large enough to accommodate all the flower heads you plan to collect. You can also use a mesh bag or a container with a lid that has small holes to allow air circulation while keeping the seeds in.
Leave the flower heads in the bag for a week or two, until the seeds have fully dried out. Shake the bag occasionally to help loosen the seeds from the flower head.
Step 3: Store the Seeds Properly
After the seeds have fully dried out, remove the flower heads from the bag and separate the seeds from the chaff. The chaff is the leftover plant material that surrounds the seed. You can do this by rubbing the flower heads gently between your hands and then blowing away the chaff. Be careful not to lose any precious seeds in the process.
Store the seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic bag. Label the container with the date and type of seed, so you know what you have stored. Keep the container in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant the seeds in the spring.
Step 4: Plant the Seeds
In the spring, when the soil has warmed up, it's time to plant the black-eyed susan seeds. Choose a sunny spot in your garden and prepare the soil by raking it smooth and removing any weeds. Sow the seeds thinly over the surface of the soil, then cover them lightly with soil or compost.
Water the area gently, being careful not to wash away the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and after a week or two, you should start to see sprouts. Thin the seedlings to about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow and bloom.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Black-Eyed Susans
Congratulations! You have successfully collected and planted black-eyed susan seeds. With proper care, your new plants will produce beautiful blooms that will brighten up your garden year after year. Don't forget to share your newfound knowledge with your gardening friends.
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