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When harvesting seeds, it is essential to choose a dry, sunny day and to keep the seeds of different species separate. The ‘parent’ plants should be healthy, free from pests and diseases and representative of their kind. Always gather the seedheads or pods before they begin to open. It is better for seedheads and pods to dry out slowly in gentle warmth, rather than quickly in a high temperature.

1 If the whole plant is nearing maturity, you can pull it up, invert it, place it in a thin paper bag and hang it in a dry, airy shed (see left). Alternatively, spread individual seed-heads and pods on sheets of paper and place them near a window so that they can ripen in full sun.

2 Once the seedheads are dry, clean the seeds by placing them in a sieve and gently rubbing or tapping (see left). When dry, place them in paper bags or other containers; then label and store them (see opposite page).