Saving Your Own Seed

Propagation

Saving seed from successful open-pollinated plants can preserve favourite varieties, reduce costs and help you select plants that perform well in your own garden. Collect only fully ripe, healthy seed, dry it thoroughly and store it carefully. Seed from F1 plants may not produce offspring that match the parent plant.

How to do it

Choose vigorous, healthy open-pollinated plants and allow a few flowers, pods or seed heads to ripen fully. For dry seed, wait until heads or pods turn brown and dry, then cut them on a dry day into labelled paper bags. Finish drying indoors in an airy place away from direct sun. Rub or shake seed free, remove obvious debris and spread it briefly to ensure it is completely dry. For fleshy fruits, scoop seed out, rinse away pulp where suitable and dry it thoroughly on a labelled surface. Store dry seed in labelled paper packets or airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. Record variety and harvest year, then sow a small test batch next season.

When to do it

Collect seed from late summer into autumn for many vegetables, annual flowers and perennials, choosing dry weather whenever possible. Some crops ripen earlier or later, so watch the plant rather than the calendar. Gather before pods split or seed heads shed naturally, but only after seed has matured and hardened properly.

Tips

Avoid saving seed from weak, diseased or badly cross-pollinated plants. Keep varieties apart and label every batch before moving on to the next one. Never seal seed away while it still feels damp, as it may develop mould. Use saved seed fairly soon, as viability varies greatly between crops and declines with age.

Saving Your Own Seed: frequently asked questions

How does saving your own seed work?

Choose vigorous, healthy open-pollinated plants and allow a few flowers, pods or seed heads to ripen fully.

When should I do saving your own seed?

Collect seed from late summer into autumn for many vegetables, annual flowers and perennials, choosing dry weather whenever possible.

What are some tips for saving your own seed?

Avoid saving seed from weak, diseased or badly cross-pollinated plants.

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General guidance for UK gardens. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.