NASTURTIUM SEEDS

[kloofnek]

I am going to collect the seeds from my nasturtiums this year,do I leave them on them the plant until they have dried out or can I put them in a dry place to mature?

[sandyRoe]

If you collect them they'll dry out and shrivel up a bit. But still be ok for next year

[dianahoohar]

If you have an abundance of them, why not pickle some? An interesting and tasty alternative to capers.

[kloofnek]

Thank you.

[kloofnek]

Never heard that before Dianahoohar,you learn something every day!!

[carlton23]

You can also eat the flowers which are a little peppery added to a salad. My garden has them growing in between a Pyracantha and looks fab. I usually pick up all the seeds I can after pulling them up, otherwise the beggers will take over the garden. Keep them in a net from a carrot bag or such for next year.

[kloofnek]

Carlton23
Do you just keep the seeds until time to replant?I have been seen online,various processes one should do with the seeds,ranging from filing them( to aid germation),putting them in hot water(before planting).Also to dead them but I have not done this as I wanted the seeds ???????

[carlton23]

Kloofneck, (obviously not English, Dutch maybe?) When the seeds have all ripened cut of head and put in a large brown paper bag, then when they feel easy to remove, keep them dry until following year to feed birds. Sorry I didn`t see your post until now.

[boxtops]

Carlton, I collect the seeds every year, and lay them flat to dry, when they are dry we store them in an airtight jar. If you plant them again now while they are green, they will grow again this year (small, but they will). We always manage to miss a few, they grow where they like in our garden every year - I love 'em! My neighbour grows them to keep the cabbage whites away from her allotment plants. Great little plants!

[boxtops]

PS if you wait until they fall off, it's quite a task finding the seeds, they look just like little stones or gravel - I keep an eye on mine and pick them when they are big and ripe - sometimes they pop straight off into your hand.

[kloofnek]

Carlton23..Dutch Afrikaans (South African)living in UK.
How do you mean "cut off the head"????
I have been picking the seeds when they come off easily and put them on newspaper to dry out.I have them on my patio so if any are on the ground ,can see them easily.I then put the seeds on newspaper in a dry place .
This is the first time I have grown these and had a wonderful display,still flowering,these are the trailing type.so decided to have a go at collecting the seeds

[littleshirl]

I just leave mine in an envelope, after I've picked them, and the poorer the soil the better they like it. They don't need feeding at all and will grow anywhere.