How to Collect Coneflower Seeds: Guide for Fall Gardeners in Ontario
Coneflowers in bloom, seeds will not be ready at this point
Every fall, as the blooms of the gardens fade, I find myself drawn to garden, longing to continue the season. Collecting seeds has become a useful ritual for me at Wingfield, I find it productive and cheap way to ensure I have plenty of these cheerful blooms year after year.
It’s actually quite a simple process, holding a real sense of anticipation— you save a little bit of today for next year’s garden. The gentle and simple beauty of collecting the heads is meditative and extremely satisfying. I have a relatively large garden but you really only need a few plants to be able collect more than what you need.
The Importance of Seed Collecting for Gardeners
Collecting seeds from your garden is a great, cost-effective way to grow more plants. In addition is an interested path to a sustainable, as well as long standing tradition, that helps preserve your favorite perennials.
For us Ontario gardeners, who specifically want to give a boost to native plants, it’s a great way to get a lot of seed and start this process quickly. Plus you will have so many seeds you’ll be giving them away to friends and family. These techniques can also be applied broadly, making them valuable to any gardener interested in a flourishing and resilient garden.
Guide to Collecting Coneflower Seeds
Wait for the Right Time: Timing is key
Before collecting seeds, you’ll want to ensure the flower heads are completely dried out and brown.
Coneflowers when they are ready to harvest - Completely brown and dried not the ones that look yellow.
In Ontario’s climate, this might mean waiting until October or early November, depending on your region. For me it can happen as early as late September. Each plant is different, some will go to seed really early while others are still blooming! So you have to take it plant by plant.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your plants and harvest just before the first hard frost to ensure the seeds are fully mature. Early harvested seeds won’t be viable - but you don’t want to wait too long or the birds will get them all!
Snip and Store
Use garden shears and cut the seed heads. You can place them in a paper bag to collect any loose seeds. Try to avoid using plastic, as it can trap moisture, leading to mold and ultimately rotting your seeds. You can also just place them in a bowl inside and let the warmer dryer inside air do its thing.
This method works well for coneflowers and other perennials you might t be growing like black eyed Susans.
Break apart the seed and Save
Gently break apart the flower heads to release the seeds. The coneflowers have a prickly head, so you may want to wear some gloves while doing this. You can separate the seeds from the chaff, pressing your thumbs into the seed head untill they dislodge, then store them in a paper envelope or a small jar. Label them is a good practice, so you remember what year they are and what they are!
Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place—this applies whether you’re storing seeds in Ontario’s cooler winters or a milder climate.
The dark debris is the chaff, not the seeds, the light coloured 'woodchip' like part is the seed
Frequently Asked Questions About Seed Collecting
How Do I Know If the Seeds Are Viable?
You will want to check for seeds that are firm. The coneflower seeds look like little woodchips. (See picture) Discard any that are light, soft, or shriveled, as they are likely not viable.
What’s the Best Way to Store Seeds Over Winter?
Keep seeds in a paper envelope inside a sealed container to maintain dryness and protect them from light. Storing them in a cool basement or a garage works well. Coneflowers benefit from cold stratification, so they don’t mind being exposed to freezing temperatures,
Get Your Garden Ready for Spring
Collecting seeds is a rewarding way to save money and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your garden from scratch. It’s also a way to ensure the return of your favorite blooms, like coneflowers, and to adapt your garden to your local environment, whether that’s Ontario or beyond.
