Each fall I gather seeds from the plants I’ve grown. I sort, package and label them and have a cupboard full of seed packages/containers. I collect them from everywhere and I wonder…Will they even grow? Onion seeds from 2022, apple seeds from the apple tree, cedar seeds from a Christmas centre piece, and squash seeds from Halloween. I can’t let the potential of a seed pass me by.
I learned that onions and petunias need 10 to 12 weeks before last frost. The apple, cedar and Siberian Iris seeds needed cold stratification. FYI, how do you know you live with a gardener? Look in the fridge you’ll see plant trays chilling.
I was curious to compare the 2022 onion seeds and the Spanish Onion seeds I purchased this year. It wasn’t long before I got results. February 27, 2025, and the onions from 2022 are happily sprouting! The onion seeds of 2025 are beginning to show. Apparently growing onions from seed, results in larger onions compared to onions grown from sets. That may be up for debate , but I love the thought of one little seed doing its’ thing.
And take note of the squash plant popping up in the photo – so far 4 out of the 12 seeds have sprouted. It’s far too early in the season to start squash but now I know those seeds are viable. And I have LOTS to share.
And the petunias that apparently are slow growers? Here they are!
And in the meantime the apple, cedar, and Siberian Iris seeds are happy in their chilly home.
Planting seeds is a hopeful journey that simply delights me. The soil, the seeds, the warmth, the water, the sunlight – a priceless combination.
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