Question
Hi Mike
Can you tell me how to go about sowing seeds from my lupins and foxgloves in my garden, the flowers are just about finished and there are tons of pod like things just below the flowers, when do i take the seeds off the plants and when is the best time to sow them and how to i prepare the seeds before planting
Any information would be gratefully apprecieated
Thank you
Maureen

Answer
Hi Maureen, and thanks for your question.

You should wait at least 3 months before sowing fresh seed.  Once the pods are swollen, cut them and place the entire pod in a paper bag.  I would leave them there in a dry location for at least 7 days.

Once the seeds are completely dried, remove them from the pod.  Many times this can be accomplished simply by shaking the paper bag vigorously until they are dislodged. Otherwise, just pick them carefully from the pod. Place the seeds in a ziplock bag and store the bag in a Tupperware container.  Since seeds need a period of dormancy, it is important to keep them in a cool place to simulate off season conditions.  The back of a refrigerator is a perfect place to store them.  After at least three months, they can be planted directly in the garden assuming the time of year permits it, or indoors for later transplanting.

I hope this helps.  Good luck.

Regards,

Mike