In case you didn’t know, snapdragons are those cheerful flowers that look like they have little dragon faces!
Every time I see them in my garden, I can’t help but grin. And as the season comes to an end, I always save those seeds so I can enjoy their pretty flowers again next year!
It’s super easy to do once you know when and how to pick them, and I’m here to walk you through the entire process.
Are you ready?
If so, then…
1. You Should Be Able To Identify The Seeds First
If you skip deadheading your snapdragons, they’ll turn into funny-looking seed pods that resemble little skulls (ideal decorations for Halloween, yay!).
Inside these brown, round pods are tiny black seeds that are quite similar to poppy seeds. When it’s time to collect the seeds, don’t worry about picking the best ones – just gather them all!
Some will sprout, and some might not, but you’ll still have plenty of new plants to enjoy next year.
To get the best seeds, pick a healthy snapdragon that you love. These flowers self-pollinate, so you’ll grow new blooms just like the originals.
2. Then, It’s Time For Harvesting
After picking your favorite snapdragon plants, it’s time to figure out when to gather those seeds!
The perfect time to harvest really depends on your area and the weather. Watch the flowers as they start to fade and look for seed pods.
At first, these pods will be green, but you’ll want to wait until they turn completely brown before collecting them.
You can harvest anytime during the day, but make sure it’s dry and that there’s no dew on the plants. Gently pull off the brown seed pods and crack them open using your fingernails.
To catch any tiny seeds that fall out, do this over a white piece of paper. Shake the pod open onto the piece of paper or into a bag to collect all your seeds (easy peasy!).
Also read: Get New Lavender Plants Without Spending A Dime By Harvesting The Seeds Like This
3. Finally, Make Sure That You Properly Store Them
Your snapdragon seeds can last and stay mostly good for planting next spring. Just keep in mind that after a year their viability decreases and you’ll get fewer seeds sprouting.
You can use a paper bag, envelope, or a sealed plastic container to properly store your seeds. Find a cool, dry spot for them.
To keep your seeds healthy, it’s important to avoid moisture. Make sure the seeds are fully dry before putting them away.
You can even put them in the fridge, just make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep any moisture out.
By collecting the seeds and storing them properly, you’ll get to plant and grow thriving snapdragons for many more years to come!
Also read: Do Garden Seeds Really Expire?