You can definitely get seeds from fresh cut flowers, but there are a few things to keep in mind. When a flower is harvested young or in peak bloom, it likely hasn’t been pollinated yet, which means it lacks viable seeds. Seeds will not continue to develop if fresh flowers are removed and dried off the plant.
When flowers are cut for bouquets or arrangements, they are typically harvested before they have a chance to be pollinated. This is because once a flower is pollinated, it begins the process of producing seeds, which causes the petals to fade and wilt. So, if you cut a flower at this stage, you won’t get viable seeds from it.
If you’re interested in collecting seeds from your garden, it’s best to let the flowers mature on the plant. Allow the flowers to fade and dry out naturally, and you’ll have a better chance of obtaining viable seeds. Once the flowers have dried, you can gently shake or rub the seed heads to release the seeds. Collect the seeds in a container and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them.
It’s worth mentioning that not all flowers produce viable seeds, especially if they are hybrid varieties. Hybrid flowers are created by cross-pollinating two different parent plants, and their seeds may not grow true to the parent plant. If you’re specifically interested in collecting seeds, it’s a good idea to choose open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, as these are more likely to produce viable seeds that will grow into plants similar to the parent.
In my own experience, I’ve found that collecting seeds from fresh cut flowers is not the most effective method. I prefer to let the flowers mature on the plant and then collect the seeds once they have fully developed. This ensures that I have the best chance of obtaining viable seeds and growing healthy plants in the future.
While it is possible to get seeds from fresh cut flowers, it’s not the most reliable method. If you’re interested in collecting seeds, it’s best to let the flowers mature on the plant and harvest them once they have dried out naturally. This will give you a better chance of obtaining viable seeds and growing successful plants.
