Saving Flower Seeds: Hybrid vs. Open-Pollinated

Hybrid flowers (most bedding plants) won’t come true from seed. Open-pollinated (heirloom) varieties will. To save seed:

• Let flowers fade and seed heads turn brown on the plant.
• Collect seeds; large seeds (marigold, zinnia, cosmos) are easy; tiny seeds (petunia, impatiens) require practice.
• Store dry, cool, dark in airtight containers.

For cheap annuals (pansies, marigolds, salvia, impatiens, petunias, geraniums), buying new plants is easier than seed saving.