Preserving Nature: How to Collect and Store Tree Seeds This Autumn Autumn is the perfect time to start collecting seeds from your favourite trees and storing them for future planting needs or garden expansion plans. Preserving seeds can have several benefits for both seasoned gardeners and those just starting out. Growing new trees is one, albeit obvious benefit, but on top of that, you’ll also be contributing to local biodiversity at the same. Not having to buy seed every year can help save you a little money too. Collecting, drying and storing seeds isn’t actually as hard as you might think and allows you to maintain the unique varieties in your garden for years to come. Plus, you’ll get to give back to nature and play your part in a greener future. Let’s explore how to gather, dry, and store seeds effectively so not only do they remain viable for future planting, but also ensures they thrive in your garden. Understanding Seed Maturity When collecting seeds, timing is everything. Knowing what to look out for and when to collect your seeds can make a huge difference in the quality and likelihood of future germination. Generally speaking, most seeds are ready to harvest when their pods or fruits change colour and begin to dry out. For example, oak trees release their acorns when they reach maturity, and maple seeds shift from green to brown. Conifers on the other hand have cones that open up when their seeds are ripe. If you collect seeds to early, you run the risk of them being underdeveloped which means they may struggle to germinate later. The key is to watch your trees closely and notice the natural changes as they occur. Waiting until seeds are fully mature will also ensure they hold up better in storage and will present a higher chance of success when you’re ready to plant. Patience during this phase most certainly pays off in the long run. Best Practices for Collecting Seeds On the whole, collecting seeds is a pretty simple process, but it can’t hurt to follow a few best practices to help along the way. Although not always possible in the UK, choosing dry, sunny days for gathering seeds is essential as any moisture present can lead to mould build up during storage. In addition, use paper bags or envelopes instead of plastic as this will avoid trapping humidity, which could further ruin your seeds. Finally, be gentle when handling your seeds, especially with delicate varieties so as to prevent damage which could affect germination later on. Believe it or not, how you physically collect your seeds matters too and depending on the type of tree you have, the process can vary. Trees with pods, such as sycamore or beech, benefit from a gentle tap or shake to release seeds and fruit-bearing varieties simply require picking ripe fruit to access the seeds inside. However, conifer cones and the like need to be collected and placed in a warm sunny spot to help them open naturally, which in turn releases the seeds inside. Once you’ve collected your seeds, you’ll need to store them. It’s important to separate different seed varieties and be sure to label them with the name, date and time collected. Give yourself the best head start for your future planting needs and stay well organised. Drying your seeds correctly Once you’ve collected your seeds, you’ll need to dry them out, so they remain viable for the longer term. The easiest way to do this is to spread them out in a single layer on a flat surface but be sure to avoid stacking them, as this can trap moisture and encourage mold. A single sheet of A4 paper works great and allows you to easily transfer them to a storage container when you’re done. Choose a warm, well-ventilated space, but keep the seeds out of direct sunlight. For your smaller seeds, a mesh screen or piece of muslin cloth works better and allows air to circulate freely. Larger seeds, like acorns or chestnuts, benefit from a bit more space, so give them room to breathe. Check the seeds daily, turning them gently to ensure even drying. Most seeds take about a week to dry, but some might need a little longer. Once dry, your seeds should feel firm and brittle to the touch. Properly dried seeds are more likely to store well, maintaining their potential for future growth. This careful drying process helps you avoid wasted efforts later when you’re ready to plant. Storing Seeds for Longevity If you want to keep your seeds in good shape, you’ll need to make sure they are stored correctly. Doing so could mean your seeds last for up to three years, sometimes longer. Once you’ve completed the drying process, place the seeds in paper envelopes or small glass jars. We always found paper to be a great option as it ensures any remaining moisture escapes. This is important in order to prevent humidity that can ultimately lead to mould. Use glass jars for larger seeds, but ensure they are completely dry before sealing. Next up, make sure you label each container with the tree species and the date of collection. This simple step saves time later, especially when you’re deciding which seeds to plant first. For long-term storage, a cool, dark space is ideal, such as a garden shed or garage. Lower temperatures help maintain the seeds’ dormancy and will help further extend their lifespan whereas high temperatures can cause the seeds to sprout prematurely. Don’t store them near windows. Top Tip: Store your seeds in small batches. That way, if one batch encounters issues, you won’t lose your entire collection. Putting Your Seeds to Use: When and How to Plant When is the right time to plant? We get asked this a LOT. The answer? Well, it depends. Many seeds thrive best when sown in spring, but some, like oak acorns, benefit from planting in autumn in order to mimic natural cycles. Before you plant, consider whether your seeds need a little encouragement to help with germination. If needed, keep the seeds in a cool, damp environment for a few weeks. A wet paper towel in a sealed Ziplock bag does the trick. When you start to see some shoot, the seeds are ready to go in the ground. Make sure you plant with enough space in mind for the tree roots to develop sufficiently and use a nutrient rich soil additive if your ground requires it. Why Seed Collection Matters Perhaps a larger discussion for another day, but collecting seeds goes way beyond just expanding your garden, it helps contribute to your local ecosystem. The preservation of native tree species is dependent on seed collection. Yes, a lot of regrowth happens naturally, but we are still reliant on tree growers to help move things along. Encouraging biodiversity has always been at the core of Tree’s Direct as we continue to help maintain healthy habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife. If you’re interested in adding to your garden and don’t fancy the long wait, check out our range of ready to plant trees and shrubs. BACK TO ARTICLES
