Saving Seed from Orlaya

Orlaya Seed Head

  It's perfect weather for collecting my own seed this week - dry for several days now.
The seedheads on many easy to grow cut flowers are beginning to mature now & when dry, store well.⁠ This Orlaya, a favourite white umbellifer-shape flower is one I always collect. If the seed isn't really fresh, germination can be poor. ⁠
  But from my own seed, well used to growing conditions here in Scotland, I get good results.⁠ Each individual seed is like a little hedgehog (it splits in 2 along those cracks you see opening?) covered in hard bristles. It catches on anything that brushes past (my leggings, dog coats...) explaining why it can pop up in surprising places.⁠
But it's a 'good' weed to have!⁠
  I'll sow some this week (that's what I mean by really fresh) for a light, airy froth of flowers in weddings next May & early June. Then another batch or 2 will be sown next Spring.⁠
  Like everything, seed is shooting up in price so why not have a look around your patch & see what seeds you could collect for free? ⁠ No chemicals, no air miles to transport long distance - just fresh seed for you, & perhaps to swap with friends. ⁠
​And a little beauty in your garden to look forward to in 2023...
To learn more about growing cut flowers to fill your garden & home with beauty, join me at my next 'Cut Flowers From Your Garden ' workshop. Find all the details & Book Online Here