How to Harvest Black-Eyed Susan Seeds (And Know When They’re Ready!), by Bright Lane Gardens on YouTube. 13 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check your black-eyed Susan flowers in late summer and early autumn. A ripe seed head turns dry and brown, and the center cone feels hard and rough rather than soft and green.
Leave heads that are still green or soft on the plant. Seeds inside them are not mature yet and will not germinate well.
Cut ripe seed heads off with pruning shears, leaving a short piece of stem. Do this before birds and wet weather strip the seeds.
Drop the cut heads into a paper bag or open tray. Do not seal them in plastic, because trapped moisture can cause mold.
Rub each dried head between your fingers over a bowl or tray. The tiny dark seeds loosen and fall out along with dry plant bits.
Pick out larger pieces of stem and leaf by hand. Work over a light-colored surface so you can see the small seeds.
Shake the seeds gently in a shallow tray or blow lightly across them to separate the light chaff from the heavier seeds.
Spread the cleaned seeds on a plate and let them air dry for a few days in a dry room, away from direct sun.
Label a paper envelope or small jar with the plant name and harvest date. Store the seeds in a cool, dry, dark place until spring.
Tips and common mistakes
Harvest on a dry day, since damp seed heads can go moldy in storage.
Check plants every few days near the end of the season, because ripe seeds drop or get eaten quickly.
Keep the seed label with the date so you know how old the seeds are when you plant them.
Do not store seeds in a warm, humid spot like a kitchen shelf, as this shortens their life.
Questions
How do I know black-eyed Susan seeds are ready to harvest?
The flower head turns dry and brown and the center cone feels hard. If the head is still green or soft, the seeds inside are not mature yet.
Do I need to dry the seeds before storing them?
Yes. Spread the cleaned seeds out for a few days so any moisture escapes, then store them in a paper envelope or dry jar.
How long can I keep saved black-eyed Susan seeds?
Most saved seed stays usable for a couple of years when kept cool and dry. Label the harvest date so you can use the oldest seeds first.
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.
