How to Collect Coreopsis Seeds | Harvest, Dry & Store Tickseed Seeds, by Bright Lane Gardens on YouTube. 14 min 15 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 15 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Wait until the flower petals have dropped and the seed heads turn brown and dry on the plant. Green heads are not ready and the seed inside may not be viable.
Check a seed head by looking for plump, dark, slightly curved seeds tucked in the dried flower base. Thin, pale or empty husks mean the seed is not mature yet.
Pinch or snip the ripe seed heads off the plant and drop them into a paper bag or bowl. Work over the bag so any loose seed falls in.
Rub the dried heads between your fingers over a bowl to break them apart and free the seeds. Do this gently so you do not crush the seed.
Pick out the larger dried petals and stems by hand, then blow lightly across the bowl or shake it so the light chaff lifts away from the heavier seed.
Spread the cleaned seed in a thin layer on a paper plate or newspaper. Leave it in a dry, airy room out of direct sun for about one to two weeks.
Test the seed by pressing a few pieces. They should feel hard and dry, not soft or damp, before you put them away.
Pour the dry seed into a small jar or paper envelope. Label it with the plant name and the date you collected it.
Store the container in a cool, dark, dry place such as a cupboard or fridge. Keep it away from damp and heat until you are ready to sow.
Tips and common mistakes
Harvest on a dry day after the morning dew has gone, since wet seed heads can go mouldy in storage.
Leave a few seed heads on the plant for birds and for self-seeding.
Do not seal seed in a plastic bag while it is still fresh, as trapped moisture causes mould.
Label every batch, because Coreopsis seed looks similar across species and you will forget which is which.
Questions
What do Coreopsis seeds look like?
They are small, dark brown to black, slightly flattened and curved, often with a tiny pointed tip. They sit in the dried base of the old flower head.
How long do saved Coreopsis seeds stay good?
Kept cool and dry, the seed usually stays viable for two to three years. Label the date so you use the oldest seed first.
Can I plant the seeds straight after harvesting?
You can, but most gardeners store them over winter and sow in spring, or sow in autumn for natural cold treatment. Fresh seed needs to be fully dry before storage.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
