How to Collect Dahlia Seeds From Plants

Dahlias are beautiful bloomers that can produce enormous flowers sought by many avid gardeners. The plant creates seed pods once the blooms are finished, if you don't deadhead the plant. You can aid your mature dahlias in creating these seed pods by removing the outer petals of the spent bloom. On younger dahlias, you can let the seed pod close naturally on the plant. Then, harvest the pod when it has matured from a bright green to a soft yellow. Use the pod to collect the seeds and propagate your dahlias.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gardening scissors
• Shallow container
• Electric fan
• Plastic bags or plastic bottles

1. Cut the seed pod from the plant using your gardening scissors. Leave 6 inches of stem attached to the pod.

2. Bunch the pods in groups according to variety. Allow the dahlia pods to dry until about mid-December. You can hang them or lie them flat on a bench that is protected from the weather.

3. Move the dried seed pods to a basement or other dark area to store and finish drying.

4. Shuck the seeds in February by gently crushing the pod. Discard the pod and attached stem. Place the seeds in a shallow container, a handful or more at a time.

5. Use a fan to blow the bracts and any other debris from the seeds. Shake the container gently as you're blowing air over the seeds to make sure the debris is removed.

6. Sort the seeds. Viable seeds are stiff and feel heavy for their size. Store in labeled plastic bags or bottles.