From my perspective, the most crucial step is knowing when I am ready to give my seeds. Please do not collect them while my seed pods are still soft, green, and fleshy. At this stage, the seeds inside are immature and will not germinate for you. Wait patiently. You will know I am ready when my pods have turned a dark brown or black and feel dry and brittle to the touch. They will often begin to twist and split open along the seams. This drying process is my way of ensuring the embryos within the seeds have fully developed and entered a dormant state, prepared to wait for the perfect conditions to grow again.
On a dry, sunny afternoon, gently hold my flower stalk steady. Place a brown paper bag or a lightweight container beneath the dried seed pods. With your other hand, carefully twist the pods off the stem or use clean, sharp scissors to snip the entire pod cluster. If the pods are extremely dry and prone to shattering, you can simply hold the bag underneath and gently tap the stem; many seeds will happily fall right in. This method mimics how I would naturally disperse them to the wind. The paper bag is ideal as it allows any residual moisture to escape, preventing mold from ruining my precious offspring.
Once you have collected my pods, the next step is to release the seeds. Place the dried pods into your paper bag, fold the top over, and gently crush them by hand or with a rolling pin. I have built these pods to break open under pressure. After crushing, shake the bag vigorously. This separates the hard, round seeds from the dry pod chaff, a process you might call threshing. Then, on a still day outdoors or over a large bowl, carefully pour the contents from one container to another. The breeze will carry the lighter chaff away, while the heavier seeds fall straight down. You may need to repeat this winnowing process a few times to get a clean batch of seeds.
It is vital to ensure my seeds are completely dry before you store them. Any moisture will cause them to rot during their dormancy. Spread the winnowed seeds in a single layer on a paper plate or towel and leave them in a well-ventilated, dry area out of direct sunlight for about a week. Once you are certain they are bone-dry, they are ready for storage. Please do not use plastic bags or airtight containers if there is any doubt about moisture, as this will be their tomb.
To keep my seeds viable for your next planting season, place them in a small paper envelope or a glass jar. Label the container clearly with my variety and the date of collection. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. A drawer in a cool room or a refrigerator is perfect. These conditions maintain my seeds' dormant state, preserving their energy until you唤醒 (wake) them with the warmth and moisture of spring soil. This is how you help me live on, season after season.
