How to Harvest Basil Seeds: A Step-by-Step Process

How to harvest basil seeds is a simple step-by-step process – allow the blooms to develop and brown, take the dried flowers off the stalk, take the seeds out of the seed buds, and keep the seeds somewhere dry and cool.

Read on to learn more about collecting seeds for this lovely herb.

How to Harvest the Seeds From Basil Plants?

To harvest the seeds from a basil plant you should first allow the blooms to develop and start to brown, remove the dried flowers from the stalk as well as remove the seeds out of the seed buds and then store the seeds appropriately.

1. Allow Blooms to Develop and Start to Brown

You can see a little bloom forming in the middle of the mass of basil leaves. This is a bad omen if you wish to gather basil leaves. The cluster has to be removed as soon as you can. But, if you want your plant to produce seeds for planting the next season, let the basil grow naturally.

Soon after the green flower stem appears, white blooms will start to open. While you wait for the green flower stalk to turn brown, enjoy watching the bees consume that delicious basil nectar. When it does, move on to step two.

2. Take the Dried Flowers off the Stalk

The next stage of the procedure involves removing the dried blooms from the stalk. This is where you wll find basil seed pods. After this stage is finished, the seeds themselves must be harvested.

This time, you can just take the blossoms or seed pods from the stalks and lay them aside without using scissors or snips. It is preferable to place them on a tray or dish to catch any loose seeds that will inevitably fall out.

3. Take Seeds Out of Seed Buds

Although many seeds will even fall out on their own, removing them from the flower heads is not difficult. If you are questioning how big are basil seeds when looking for them, look for miniature bug-like seeds that are brown-black in color.

Now, just separate the heads of the remaining seeds with your fingertips, then rub the interior of the pod gently. The seeds will emerge effortlessly. If you are wondering how to separate basil seeds from chaff or how to harvest thai basil seeds, follow this exact procedure.

If you need to gather many seeds quickly and easily, you might crush handfuls of pods in a mesh strainer over a disc. Another technique involves putting the seed heads in a bag, chopping them up with a rolling pin (or another blunt item), and then straining or screen-separating the seeds.

Tip: What do the seeds of basil look like? Small, rounded, and black describe basil seeds. Because the seeds are so small, it is best to practice using a strainer or fine screen of some kind when gathering them to prevent losing them.

4. Keep the Seeds Somewhere Dry and Cold

Because so many garden seeds resemble one another, labeling your seeds is essential. It is simply too simple to accidentally plant the incorrect seeds, losing valuable time while doing so.

Do not forget to include the date when labeling your seeds. Knowing how old your seeds are is best because everything has an expiration date! These seeds are most frequently kept in a glass jar or a plastic bag.

But you can keep the seeds in an envelope or a folded piece of newspaper in a cold, dry place if you want to utilize them the following season. Some people choose to freeze the seeds for use one day as well.

How to Plant Basil Seeds After Harvesting?

To plant basil seeds after harvesting you should get the seeds ready – whether bought or if you harvested them, organize the soil how you need it, sow the seeds and do regular follow ups to see how it is going.

1. Get the Seeds Ready

Take your seeds out of storage or buy some from the shop. Ensure they are in good condition and have enough of them to grow the desired number of plants. Any that are broken, crushed, or discolored should be thrown away.

2. Organize the Soil

Prepare new soil and make sure it is lovely and moist, whether you are growing in the ground or pots. If you want the greatest results, add some organic compost or fertilizer.

3. Sow the Seeds

Make small holes every six inches with a pencil or other tool for planting tiny seeds, then pinch a few seeds into each one. Using your finger, cover the holes by pressing the soil on top of the seeds.

4. Follow Up Regularly

Maintain the soil by keeping it moist for a few weeks or until the seeds sprout. After the seedlings have two sets of fully formed leaves, if you planted starters, take them and move them to the garden or pots. This way, you can also try to propagate basil soon.

How to Store Basil Seeds After Harvesting?

To store basil seeds after harvesting you should firstly ensure the seeds are fully dry to stop mold or rotting, place them in a jar with a tight seal, create labels, keep them somewhere cold and dry and inspect them regularly.

1. Ensure the Seeds Are Fully Dry

Make sure the seeds are thoroughly dry before storing them. They risk growing mold or rotting in storage if they are not dry.

2. Place the Seeds in a Jar With a Tight Seal

Transfer the seeds to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic bag, once they have dried. To keep moisture out, make sure the container is sealed properly.

3. Create a Label

Put the type of basil and the time the seeds were gathered on the container’s label. This will make it easy for you to keep track of the seeds and ensure you use them before their viability is lost.

4. Keep the Container Somewhere Cold and Dry

Put the jar in a cool, dry location like the pantry or fridge. Avoid keeping the container warm or humid because doing so can make the seeds less viable.

5. Inspect the Seeds Frequently

To make sure the seeds are still alive, periodically check on them. Place a few seeds on a wet paper towel to check if they sprout in a few days to determine the viability of the seeds. Following these instructions, you can preserve your harvested basil seeds for future planting. You may also want to keep an eye out for any visible damage like discoloration or rotting.

Frequently Asked Questions

– Should You Store the Seeds From Basil in the Fridge?

Yes, you could store the seeds from basil in the fridge. It is not recommended to store gardening supplies outside or in the yard because of the morning dew, mist, and increased humidity levels. The seeds work best when they are put in a container with absorbent material.

– What Is the Longest You Can Keep Basil Seeds?

The longest you can keep basil seeds is up to five years! Choose a container that can be tightly closed, such as a small envelope or a glass or plastic jar. Before storing anything, make sure the containers are also fully dry.

– What Is the Ideal Temperature for Basil Seeds in Storage?

The ideal temperature for storing basil is a cool 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Too hot and they may rot. However, if they get too cold they can also suffer from chilling injuries. Symptoms of this include blackening of the leaves, stem discolouration, and loss of aroma.

Conclusion

With our complete guide, you will be able to harvest basil seeds on your own in no time. Just remember a few key points:

• Always let the blooms on your plants dry or slightly callous before going in for the harvest. This ensures that the basil seeds are ready and at their best state.
• When separating the flowers and the seeds, it is important to be careful so that you do not waste any precious seedlings. As mentioned, do this step with a tray beneath the flowers so that any fallen seeds can be easily found.
• Basil storing should be no problem at all. Just make sure to do some plant care like drying them fully beforehand so none of the seeds go bad.

There you have it, folks. Are you ready to get your harvesting basil seeds gloves on?