How to Collect Seeds From Impatiens

The majority of gardening enthusiasts buy their impatiens in flats sold at the local gardening center. But for purists, growing the flowers from seed represents a true challenge, particularly if they collected the seed themselves during the past growing season. Roughly 46,000 impatiens seeds fit in a half-teaspoon so the seeds are not easy to work with. Once you collect seeds from impatiens, half the battle is over, and you'll wind up with a crop of blossoms that costs pennies on the dollar.

Things You'll Need

• Clear plastic wrap
• Twist ties
• Clean jar with lid

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut 3- by 3-inch squares from plastic wrap. Place one sheet of cut wrap over the seed head of the impatiens as it nears maturity. Draw the four corners of the wrap together and twist. Tie firmly with the twist tie.

   • 2

     Wait seven to 10 days after placing wrap around seed head. Remove bag after seeds have been ejected by the impatiens seed head. Avoid spilling any of the tiny seeds to the ground.

   • 3

     Place impatiens seeds into jar, and seal jar tightly. Avoid getting any moisture on the seeds. Place in refrigerator and store for no longer than two to three months.