1 . Saving Seeds for Next Year’s Flower Garden

Just like vegetable seeds (种子), you can save flower seeds from your garden this year to plant in the following year.

If you want the same kind of flower or plant for next year’s garden, collect only the seeds from plants marked as “heritage”.     1     Cross seeds with a mixture of two different parents will produce new plants, but they will only look like one of the parents. Therefore, you are taking a risk with planting cross seeds.

Even if you expect plants to be the same as their parents, it is not certain. Wind or insects could bring pollen from one plant to another and accidentally create a mixture.     2     But if you like surprises, start experimenting! You could create a lovely new plant or flower!

Just like everything else in gardening, timing is important. Collect seeds on a dry, sunny day.     3     When their pods open, these plants could send their seeds up to 6 meters away. Once on the ground, it is difficult to collect them. Instead, tie a small bag for seed collection over the pod when it nearly opens.

For plants like sunflowers, cut the head off the plant and drop it into a paper bag.     4     This will save your fingers!

You can place the seeds in a glass box that can be sealed. Then store them in a cool, dry area. Make sure to mark your glass box so you do not forget what they are.     5     But you should plant the new seeds the following year for best results.