How to Save Cleome Seed

Overview

Also known as the "spider flower," cleome is an annual that can grow to a height of 5 feet. Flowers produced at the top of the cleome eventually fade, and in their place you find long, slender, green seedpods. There are many reasons to collect the seeds from the cleome seedpods. You may want to share your special plants with friends, start a new patch of them in another area of your yard or simply prevent them from dropping into the garden where they can grow out of control.

Step 1

Lay the seed pod against the palm of your hand.

Step 2

Place a paper envelope or small paper bag directly under the pod to catch the seeds as they fall from the pod.

Step 3

Press against the pod with the thumb of the hand it is resting against. If the pod is ready to go to seed, it will split open and spill the seeds out. If it is not ready to go to seed, it will resist the pressure you apply to it.

Step 4

Repeat this process in the morning and evening. Some seed pods that are not ready to burst in the morning may be ready to go by evening.

Step 5

Store the cleome seeds in a paper envelope that needs to be kept in a glass jar or plastic container.