How to Save BASIL Seeds, by Kristopher Ulrich on YouTube. 1 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Let a few basil plants bolt and flower instead of pinching them off. Wait until the flower spikes turn brown and dry on the plant.
Pick the dried flower spikes in dry weather, ideally late morning after any dew has gone. Cut or snap them off just below the lowest flower cluster.
Hold each spike over a bowl or tray and rub it gently between your fingers. The tiny black seeds and dry calyx pieces will fall out.
Pick out the larger bits of dried plant material by hand. Do not worry about small chaff, it will not harm the seeds.
Tip the seeds onto a paper towel and leave them in a dry, airy room for a few days to finish drying.
Label a small paper envelope or jar with the basil variety and the date. Paper is better than plastic because it lets any moisture escape.
Pour the dry seeds in, seal the envelope or screw the jar lid tight, and store in a cool, dark, dry place.
Tips and common mistakes
Only save seeds from open-pollinated or heirloom basil if you want the same plant again, as hybrids may not grow true.
Make sure the seeds are bone dry before sealing them, or they can go mouldy in storage.
Basil seeds are tiny, so work over a tray to catch any that fall.
Questions
How do I know when basil seeds are ready to collect?
The flower spikes turn brown and dry, and the tiny black seeds start to show. If the stems are still green, wait a bit longer.
How long do saved basil seeds stay good?
Stored dry and cool in a sealed envelope or jar, basil seeds usually keep for about three to five years.
Can I save seeds from supermarket basil?
Yes, if you let the plant flower and set seed. Just check it is not a hybrid if you want the same flavour next year.
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.
