Well, if you’re wantin’ to get them seeds from them Black-Eyed Susans, there’s a few things you gotta know, sugar. It’s not too hard, but you gotta be patient, like waitin’ on a good batch of cornbread to bake. First thing’s first, ya gotta make sure you know what your plant is. You don’t wanna go pluckin’ seeds from some weed that looks like a Black-Eyed Susan, but ain’t! So, make sure it’s the real deal.
Step 1: Identifying the Black-Eyed Susan
Now, before you do any pickin’, you gotta know for sure that you’re lookin’ at the right flower. Black-Eyed Susans got them big ol’ yellow petals with a dark brown center, like a little sun sitting in the middle. You’ll spot ‘em easy enough if you’ve seen ‘em around. Don’t be foolin’ around with something else by accident, or you might end up with the wrong seeds.
Step 2: Wait Till They’re Ready
Don’t go rushin’ the process, now. You gotta wait until them flowers are good and mature. Usually, them Black-Eyed Susans bloom in summer, round June to August. But don’t pick them seeds too early, else you’ll be wastin’ your time. The best time to get the seeds is when them flowers start to dry up, usually come fall. You’ll know it’s time when them petals start shrivelin’ up and them seed heads turn brown.
Step 3: Harvest the Seeds
Once you’re sure they’re ready, you go ahead and grab a pair of scissors or just use your hands. Gently cut off the seed heads. Make sure you don’t mess around too much with the seeds before you get ‘em home. Handle them with care, like you would a basket of fresh eggs.
Step 4: Dry ‘Em Out
Now, after you cut them seed heads off, you gotta dry ‘em out good. Lay ‘em out in a dry spot, maybe on a table or some old newspaper. Don’t go puttin’ them in a damp place, or you’ll end up with mold, and that ain’t no good for nobody. Let ‘em sit for a week or two, just to make sure they’re nice and dry before you start messin’ with ‘em. Don’t rush this part. If they ain’t dry enough, they might not germinate right next year.
Step 5: Collect and Store
When them seeds are all dried up, you can start collectin’ ‘em. Carefully peel back the seed heads, and you’ll see them little black seeds inside. They’re kinda tiny, but they’ll do the trick! You can store ‘em in a paper envelope or some old jars. Keep ‘em in a cool, dry place. Don’t go puttin’ them somewhere damp or too warm, or you’ll ruin your chances of them sproutin’ next year.
Step 6: Winter Time Prep
Here’s a trick for you: Black-Eyed Susan seeds gotta go through a little winter cold before they’ll sprout. Yep, they need a chillin’ period, kinda like how us old folks need a good nap now and then. So, if you’re plantin’ them next year, it helps to keep the seeds in a cold spot, like the fridge, for a few weeks before you plant them. This helps ‘em germinate better. Just don’t forget about ‘em in the fridge, or they’ll get lost behind a jar of pickles!
Step 7: Planting the Seeds
When it comes time to plant ‘em, don’t bury them too deep in the soil. Black-Eyed Susans like a little light to help them grow. You don’t wanna bury them too deep like you’re plantin’ potatoes, but just enough to cover them. And don’t forget to water ‘em every so often, but don’t drown ‘em either. These plants like a good, sunny spot, so find a place where they can get plenty of sunshine. After all, they need that good sun to grow strong and healthy!
Step 8: Enjoy Your Bloomin’ Flowers
Now, after all that work, you should have yourself a nice little patch of Black-Eyed Susans growin’ next summer. You’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy them bright yellow petals with that dark brown center. And best of all, you’ll know you did it all yourself—from gatherin’ the seeds to plantin’ ‘em! Ain’t nothin’ better than watchin’ somethin’ you worked hard for bloom right in front of your eyes.
So, remember these steps and give it a try next year! Harvestin’ Black-Eyed Susan seeds ain’t too hard once you get the hang of it, and before you know it, you’ll have all the flowers you need for next season’s garden.
Tags：[Black-Eyed Susan, Seed Harvesting, Gardening Tips, How to Grow Flowers, Planting Tips, Seed Collection]
