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Monday

Next Years Seeds



My  Purple Cone Flowers have had to contend with all the rain we have been getting each day and they did not grow to the heights of past years.  I thought it was time to harvest a few seeds for next year. 
Before they wilt away and drown!


I cut a few of the older blooms and let them dry for about two weeks.







Then I gently tore the flowers apart to reveal the seeds.


Once separated I put them into a standard envelope for storing, to prevent moisture from forming.   Over the next few weeks I'll collect more seeds,  then plant them in the ground in the Fall. This way they will start sprouting in the early Spring.  That would be about February in my zone 9-10


There will be quite a few envelopes saved with  the many different flowers that grow in my yard.  I'm also sure there will be seeds sprouting, that fall from the plants... 
"Mother Nature"  will   re-seed on her own.





 It's hot and steamy out and I'm getting ready for the fall.  
I noticed all the Halloween items going up in many stores.

Slow down time!

I just can't believe it's the middle of August already.  Just think, the children in my area will be starting school on the 22nd of this month.  Where did the Summer go?
I for one can say "I've had a great Summer"

I hope you can say the same!


I'll be joining


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17 comments:

  1. GrannyAugust 8, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    The coneflowers are beautiful. I have lots of seeds saved from past years and I plan to sow them all this fall. They'll either grow or not. Either way they will no longer be sitting in the envelopes on my hutch. :)

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  2. Diana LaMarreAugust 9, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    Thanks for the great reminder to save those seeds. I don't usually save seeds, but I plan to give it a try this year (still too early for most of my plants).

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  3. RacquelAugust 9, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Thanks for the reminder, I need to save some seed from mine this summer too. I love your header photo, very pretty. :)

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  4. RosemaryAugust 9, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    Good idea to save some seeds, your directions excellent...... Summer here has been very hot and very dry so I am happy to see Autumn in the near future.

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  5. UnknownAugust 9, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Enjoyed your blog! Saving seeds is fun and gives you an opportunity to share with others as well! Can't believe this summer is almost gone. Another season soon on its way!

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  6. DarlaAugust 9, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    I love collection seeds too. Our kids go back the 22nd too...time flies!

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  7. PaulaAugust 9, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Thank you for sharing t his post - I am collecting seeds this year from the first time and your post helped encourage me and realize I really can do it! Paula from Idaho

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  8. the cape on the cornerAugust 9, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    i do this with marigolds! it totally worked, too. can't wait for next year, since i'm sure about it now. didn't know you could do that with these flowers, too. yay for free and green!

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  9. J. SmithAugust 9, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    Welcome to Bloomin' Tuesday! I envy gardeners that are good with seed. I don't seem to have enough patients for seeds. Jean

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  10. The Sage ButterflyAugust 10, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    I usually leave mine for the birds, but this is an easy way to gather a few seeds for next year. Very nice photos!

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  11. MillieAugust 11, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    I grow those coneflowers too, but I have never thought of saving the seeds.

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  12. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalAugust 11, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    I'm so glad you posted this. I just noticed today how sad my cone flowers look. It must be from all the rain. They hardly grew at all. Will they die off completely this winter? It's my first year growing them here. I will try to collect some seeds as well. I just thought they would come back on their own!

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  13. BethAugust 11, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Coneflowers are my absolute favorite! It's nice they provide so many seeds that we can get more of them in our gardens. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Summer @ Idea CupboardAugust 12, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    I need to do this, thanks for sharing.

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  15. Leckeres für Mensch und Katze - Goodies for a pleasant lifeAugust 12, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Nice seeds will bring nice flowers! :) LG Tina

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  16. TootsieAugust 12, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    I lOVE seeing the seeds that I harvest make new flowers the following year...it is even more rewarding than planting just a store bought seed...Good for you!
    I haven't started harvest yet this season...you are WAY ahead of me!
    thanks for linking in this week...I am always inspired by the many wonderful talented passionate gardeners that share on my Friday party!!!

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  17. JamiAugust 15, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Great info! Thanks for linking to the Tuesday To Do Party!
    Smiles!
    Jami
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

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