Collecting Morning Glory Seeds: How to Harvest and Store Your Own Seeds
Do you love the vibrant colors and beautiful blooms of morning glory plants? If so, you may be interested in collecting morning glory seeds so that you can grow your own beautiful flowers year after year. Fortunately, harvesting and storing morning glory seeds is a simple process that anyone can do with just a few basic tools and some patience. In this article, we'll show you everything you need to know about collecting morning glory seeds, from choosing the right plants to properly storing your freshly harvested seeds.
Choosing the Right Morning Glory Plants
The first step in collecting morning glory seeds is to choose the right plants. Not all morning glory varieties produce seeds that are suitable for planting, so it's important to do your research before you start harvesting. Look for heirloom or open-pollinated varieties, as these plants will generally produce seeds that breed true to the parent plant. Hybrid varieties, on the other hand, may not produce viable seeds or may produce offspring that don't resemble the parent plant.
When selecting plants for seed collection, choose healthy, mature plants with fully formed seed pods. The seed pods should be dry and papery to the touch, and the seeds inside should be brown or black and hard. Avoid harvesting seeds from diseased or damaged plants, as these may not germinate or may produce weak or deformed offspring.
Harvesting Morning Glory Seeds
Once you've selected your morning glory plants, it's time to start harvesting the seeds. The best time to harvest morning glory seeds is in the fall, when the seed pods are fully mature and dry. To harvest the seeds, simply snip the seed pods from the plant using a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Once you've collected your seed pods, it's time to remove the seeds. You can do this by gently crumpling the seed pod in your hands, which will cause the seeds to fall out. Alternatively, you can use a small knife or pair of scissors to carefully open the seed pod and remove the seeds by hand. Be sure to work over a clean, dry surface to catch any stray seeds.
Cleaning and Storing Morning Glory Seeds
After you've harvested your morning glory seeds, you'll need to clean and store them properly to ensure their viability. Start by removing any remaining plant matter from the seeds, such as bits of seed pod or stem. You can do this by gently blowing on the seeds or using a fine sieve or strainer to separate the debris.
Next, spread the cleaned seeds out on a flat, dry surface and allow them to air dry completely. This may take several days or even weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature in your area. Be sure to stir the seeds occasionally to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
Once your seeds are fully dry, place them in an airtight container such as a glass jar or plastic bag. Label the container with the variety of morning glory and the date of harvest, and store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them.
Tips for Successful Seed Collection
If you're new to collecting morning glory seeds, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your success:
- Choose healthy, mature plants with fully developed seed pods
- Harvest seeds in the fall, when the seed pods are dry and papery
- Remove any remaining plant matter from the seeds
- Air dry the seeds completely before storing them
- Label and store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them
Collecting morning glory seeds is a fun and rewarding activity for any gardener. By following these simple steps, you can harvest and store your own seeds to grow beautiful morning glory plants year after year. Remember to choose the right plants, harvest the seeds at the right time, clean and dry them properly, and store them in a cool, dry place. With a little patience and care, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful supply of morning glory seeds to enjoy for years to come.
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