How to Harvest Nasturtium Seeds? The Complete Guide
Saving nasturtium seeds is easy! You can harvest nasturtium seeds by allowing the spent flowers to form seed pods, letting them dry fully on the vine or after collecting them, and then storing them properly for planting next spring. Successfully harvesting your own nasturtium seeds involves a few key steps ensuring that the seeds are fully mature and properly dried before storage for optimal germination in the following season.
Nasturtiums: A Colorful and Useful Plant
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are much more than just pretty faces in the garden. Originating from the Andes mountains, these plants have been cultivated for centuries for their vibrant flowers, peppery leaves, and unique, flavorful seeds. Every part of the nasturtium is edible, adding a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, and even desserts. Beyond the culinary uses, nasturtiums are also beneficial companions in the garden, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies while also acting as a trap crop for aphids, protecting other plants from these pests.
The Benefits of Saving Your Own Nasturtium Seeds
There are several advantages to saving your own nasturtium seeds:
- Cost Savings: No need to buy new seeds every year.
- Acclimatization: Saved seeds are better adapted to your local climate and soil conditions.
- Selection: You can choose seeds from your best-performing plants, improving future generations.
- Heirloom Preservation: Preserving unique varieties is crucial for biodiversity.
- Self-Sufficiency: Gives you a deeper connection to your garden and food.
The Seed Harvesting Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s a breakdown of how to successfully harvest your own nasturtium seeds:
- Identify Seed Pods: After the flowers fade, small, green seed pods will form. These pods will eventually turn tan or brown as they mature.
- Timing is Key: Harvest the seed pods when they are dry, papery, and easily detach from the plant. They should be tan, brown, or even slightly gray. Avoid harvesting green pods, as these are not mature.
- Collection: Gently pluck the mature pods from the plant. You can collect them individually as they ripen or wait until a large number are ready.
- Drying: If the pods aren’t completely dry, spread them out in a single layer on a screen or paper towel in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Let them dry for 1-2 weeks, or until they are brittle.
- Seed Extraction: Once dry, the pods will easily split open, revealing the round, wrinkled seeds inside. Separate the seeds from the dried pod debris.
- Cleaning: Remove any remaining plant matter from the seeds. You can use a small screen or sieve to help with this process.
- Storage: Store the cleaned seeds in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic bag. Label the container with the date and variety (if known).
- Storage Location: Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a refrigerator or cool basement. Proper storage ensures viability for several years.
Identifying Mature Nasturtium Seed Pods
| Feature | Immature Seed Pods | Mature Seed Pods |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Green | Tan, Brown, or Gray |
| Texture | Firm and Plump | Dry, Papery, and Brittle |
| Detachment | Difficult to detach | Easily detaches from the plant |
| Seed Development | Seeds are still developing | Seeds are fully developed |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Harvesting too early: Green seed pods will not produce viable seeds.
- Not drying the seeds properly: Moisture can lead to mold and spoilage.
- Storing seeds in a warm or humid location: This reduces seed viability.
- Failing to label the seeds: You might forget the variety or date!
- Forgetting to check for pests: Ensure the seeds are pest-free before storing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long are nasturtium seeds viable?
Nasturtium seeds can remain viable for several years, typically 3-5 years, if stored correctly in a cool, dark, and dry location.
Can I save seeds from hybrid nasturtiums?
While you can save seeds from hybrid nasturtiums, the offspring may not be true to type. This means that the plants grown from these seeds may not resemble the parent plant in terms of flower color, leaf shape, or other characteristics. Saving seeds from heirloom varieties ensures that the plants will be consistent from year to year.
What’s the best way to dry nasturtium seeds?
The best way to dry nasturtium seeds is to spread them out in a single layer on a screen or paper towel in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can damage the seeds. Allow them to dry for 1-2 weeks, or until they are brittle.
How do I know if my nasturtium seeds are still good?
You can perform a simple germination test to check the viability of your seeds. Place a few seeds between damp paper towels, and keep them in a warm place. Check for germination (sprouting) after a few days. A high germination rate indicates that the seeds are still viable.
Do nasturtiums self-seed?
Yes, nasturtiums are known to self-seed readily. If you leave some seed pods on the plant, they will naturally drop to the ground and germinate the following spring. This can be a great way to have nasturtiums return year after year, but be aware that they can sometimes become slightly invasive.
Can I eat the nasturtium seeds?
Yes, you can eat nasturtium seeds. They have a similar peppery flavor to the leaves and flowers. They can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.
Are there different varieties of nasturtium that produce different colored seeds?
While the color of the seed itself is fairly uniform (usually a tan or light brown), the flower color of the parent plant does determine the flower color of the resulting plant. So, saving seeds from a plant with red flowers will likely result in red flowers the following year.
What kind of container should I use to store my nasturtium seeds?
The best containers for storing nasturtium seeds are airtight glass jars or plastic bags. Ensure the seeds are completely dry before sealing the container to prevent mold growth.
Is it better to harvest nasturtium seeds before or after the first frost?
It’s best to harvest nasturtium seeds before the first frost. Frost can damage the seed pods and reduce seed viability.
How do I prevent pests from infesting my stored seeds?
To prevent pests from infesting your stored seeds, ensure that the seeds are completely clean and dry before storing them. You can also add a desiccant packet to the storage container to absorb any excess moisture. Consider freezing the seeds for a few days to kill off any potential pests or their eggs.
What should I do if my nasturtium seeds get moldy?
If your nasturtium seeds get moldy, it’s best to discard them. Moldy seeds are unlikely to germinate and can spread mold spores to other stored seeds. This is why proper drying is absolutely critical.
When is the best time to plant my saved nasturtium seeds?
The best time to plant your saved nasturtium seeds is in the spring, after the last frost. Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and full sun. You can sow the seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost. Soaking the seeds in water overnight before planting can improve germination rates.