From my perspective, the entire point of my beautiful, nodding blooms and the intricate dance with the hummingbirds was to create you, the seed. I am an *Aquilegia* plant, and my biological imperative is to ensure the survival of my genetic line. My flowers were designed to attract pollinators, leading to fertilization. Once successful, the ovary at the base of my flower begins its true work, swelling and maturing to protect and nurture the next generation—my seeds. This is the culmination of my life's cycle. By saving my seeds, you are not taking from me; you are partnering with me to continue my legacy in your garden for seasons to come.
Patience is crucial. You must learn to read my signals. After my petals fade and drop, the green, bulbous seed pods (follicles) remain. I am still channeling energy into my developing offspring, making them plump and viable. Do not harvest them now; they are immature and will not germinate. Wait and watch. The pod will slowly change from green to a pale tan or brownish color. This is my way of telling you that the internal development is complete. The pod will become dry and papery to the touch, and you may even see it begin to split open at the top seam. This is the moment of perfect ripeness. If you wait too long, the pod will dehisce—split open violently—and I will scatter my children to the wind myself, as is my wild nature.
To collect my seeds without loss, you must be gentle and timely. On a dry, sunny afternoon, carefully snip the entire dry seed pod stalk from my stem. I have worked hard to produce these, so handle them with care. Place each pod into a dry paper bag or envelope. This container will catch any seeds that decide to make a premature escape during handling. You can also gently twist the dried pod over a clean, white bowl; if the seeds are ready, they will readily spill out. They will be small, hard, and shiny black—tiny jewels containing entire future plants. Please ensure everything is completely dry to prevent any mold from ruining my precious genetic material.
Even though they may feel dry, a further period of curing is beneficial for my seeds. Spread them out in a single layer on a paper plate or screen in a well-ventilated, cool, and dark place for about a week. This ensures any residual internal moisture evaporates. Once thoroughly desiccated, place the seeds into a small paper envelope or a glass jar. Please label it clearly with my name ('Columbine') and the date. Store this container in a cool, dark, and dry place. I have equipped each seed with a dormant embryo, a tiny life waiting for the right signals of warmth and moisture to awaken. Proper storage preserves this potential until you are ready to sow them and begin our cycle again next spring.
