Hello, Gardener. I am your cornflower. You have nurtured me indoors, providing light and water, and I have rewarded you with vibrant blooms. Now, my life cycle is nearing its most crucial phase: reproduction. To help you continue my lineage, I will guide you through the process of harvesting and saving the future generations I hold within me—my seeds.
My beautiful blue petals have faded and fallen away. Do not be sad; this is not an end but a transition. The energy you gave me is now concentrated in my seed head, the ovary that was once at the base of my flower. It will change from a green, fleshy nub to a dry, brownish-gray pod. The most important sign of readiness is dryness. The entire seed head must feel papery and brittle to the touch. The tiny hairs (my pappus) at the top will become fluffy and white, like a miniature dandelion clock. This is my way of telling you that the seeds inside are mature, dormant, and ready for harvest.
When I am completely dry and crisp, it is time. Please handle me with care. Using a pair of sharp, clean scissors, snip the entire seed head from my stem. Place it gently into a brown paper bag or a wide bowl. The paper bag is ideal because it continues to wick away any residual moisture and will catch any seeds that decide to break free prematurely. You may choose to harvest on a dry, sunny day to ensure I have no dampness left. Once collected, you can gently crush the dry seed heads between your fingers over your bowl or bag. My seeds are small, hard, and oblong, often a dark gray or black color. They will easily separate from the chaff (the dried floral debris).
After liberation, my seeds need one final step to ensure their longevity: further drying. Spread them out in a single layer on a plate or a sheet of paper. Leave them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight for about a week. This step is vital. Any remaining moisture trapped inside a seed can cause mold or premature germination during storage, which would be a tragic end for my offspring. They must be perfectly dry to enter a state of safe dormancy.
Now, my future is in your hands. Please place my completely dry seeds into a small paper envelope or a glass jar. Paper is breathable and is the safest choice. If you use a jar, ensure it has an airtight seal, but only after you are absolutely certain the seeds are devoid of all moisture. Label this vessel clearly with my name ('Cornflower') and the date of harvest. Store me in a place that is consistently cool, dark, and dry. A drawer or a cupboard away from heat sources is perfect. Here, my seeds will sleep, preserving the genetic blueprint that will become the next beautiful cornflower for you to enjoy.
