How to Harvest Double Petunia Seeds

There is an astounding variety of petunias, both in form and color. The plants are flowering with trailing or compact habits. There are grandiflora, multiflora, milliflora and spreading petunias in pastels, sharp primary colors and stripes. Once you find a variety you like it is a good idea to save the seed so you can ensure the flowers in your garden the next year. Nurseries usually only release the varieties that are new or sell the best, so you can't rely upon the availability of your type. Saving seeds is relatively easy, but getting them to germinate is difficult. The seed is tiny and hard to handle, requires light to germinate, and take 10 to 12 weeks to be large enough to plant outside.

Things You'll Need

• Garden shears
• Paper bag
• Piece of paper
• Envelope

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Chose a spent flower bloom that has lost its petals. The remaining ovary on the end of the flower stem should be enlarged or swollen.

   • 2

     Cut off ovaries or seed pods that are turning beige to yellow but are not yet open. Feel the outside to see if it is starting to dry.

   • 3

     Place the nearly dry seed pods inside a paper bag to dry. Leave it open at the top and store the bag in a dry, warm area.

   • 4

     Pinch the seed pods open once they are dry. Squeeze the pod between your index finger and thumb over a piece of paper. The seeds will collect on the paper.

   • 5

     Roll the paper slightly and pour the seeds into an envelope. Seal the envelope and store the seed in the refrigerator or in a dark, cool, dry location.