| I am interested in collecting the seeds from my vegetables. I have been told that you should not use a hybrid vegetable, because its offspring will not produce as well. Is this true? How can I find recommendations on the best varieties to use for seed collecting from existing vegetables? |
| You are correct. Don't save seed from hybrid plants, because when planted it will not mature identical to the parent plant. (A hybrid plant is produced by cross-pollinating two different parent plants.) Hybrid plants are labeled as such on seed packets and in catalog descriptions. Save seeds from non-hybrids that you like. To save seeds from plants that reproduce with flowerheads (e.g., lettuce greens, bok choy, etc.), let some flowers dry and 'go to seed.' Collect seeds on dry, sunny days to avoid any excess moisture. As seeds begin to turn brown and fall off, hold a paper bag or container underneath and tap dry seeds into it. Or, tie paper bags over the flowerheads to catch falling seeds. Or, cut the entire flowerhead and stem when about 10 percent of the seeds are brown and dry, place it upside down in a paper bag, hang it in a cool, dry location and let the seeds separate on their own. For plants with fruits (e.g., tomatoes, peppers) wait until the fruit is very ripe, but not rotten, to harvest. Dry the seeds completely on sheets of newspaper. Dispose of stems and leaves. A screen or colander works well to remove chaff. Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. |
