Dahlia is a beautiful perennial flower that can provide cheerful color to your garden. If you want to keep enjoying its blooms for years to come, harvesting the seeds and storing them properly will be key.
When to Harvest Dahlia Seeds
Once the flower has finished blooming and its petals have fallen off, a seed head will form at the center of the flower. The seed head is usually round and will become dry as time passes by. When it is fully dry, it is ready to pick and store for future use.
How to Harvest Dahlia Seeds
Once the seed head is fully dry, you can simply pick it off and place it in a paper bag. Make sure to label the bag with the name of the flower and the date of harvest. Place several paper bags in a cool, dark place until they are completely dry. Once they are dried out, rub your fingers on the seed head over the paper bag in order to release the seeds. Dahlia seeds are small, long and somewhat flat, dark brown in color.
Seed Preparation for Storage
In terms of preparation for storage, it is important to ensure that the dahlia seeds are completely dry before storing them. The best way to do this is by drying the seed pods on screens in a warm, dry spot away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat. When dried, the seeds should be placed in airtight containers or envelopes, and the container should be labeled with the date of harvest.
Conditions of Seed Storage
To ensure that your Dahlia Seeds remain viable for planting in the future, it is important to store them in the right conditions. The ideal temperature for seed storage is 5°C (41°F) and a relative humidity of less than 60%. Seeds should be stored in airtight containers, such as mason jars or zip-top bags, in order to prevent moisture from entering the container. These containers should then be placed in a cool, dark and dry place.
Shelf Life
Dahlia seeds can be stored for up to two years if properly prepared and kept in the right conditions. For best results, it is important to ensure that moisture does not enter the container where the seeds are being stored. Seeds should also be checked regularly and removed from storage if they show signs of mold or deterioration.