Collecting Strawberry Seeds

If you want to grow strawberry plants from seed, you may want to consider saving heirloom strawberry seeds from year to year (heirloom strawberry seeds are the same as non-hybrid strawberry seeds). Fortunately, it is relatively easy to learn how to save strawberry seeds so that you can begin growing strawberries from seeds that you saved. Here is the easy way to save your seeds:

Put your ripe strawberries into a household blender. Add one cup of water to the strawberries in the blender and blend on high for 3 to 5 seconds. Try not to exceed 5 seconds of blending time, or the strawberry seeds may be damaged. Allow the components to sit for a minute or two. The viable seeds will sink and the unviable seeds will float along with the strawberry pulp. After the good strawberry seeds settle to the bottom, pour off the bad seeds and fruit pulp with the water. Rinse the seeds and then transfer them to a paper towel (or low-heat dehydrator) to dry. When dry, store the strawberry seeds in a cool, dry place.

If you prefer to use a non-blender method, you can try an alternative strawberry seed saving method. If you dehydrate a strawberry (or let it dry completely), you can use your thumb and forefinger to rub the strawberry so that the seeds fall off. Separate the seeds from the chaff and store in a cool, dry place.

Or, if you prefer still another method, you can also use a sieve. Take a strawberry, press the pulpy part through the sieve, and the seeds should be left in the sieve. Rinse the seeds, dry, and store the strawberry seeds for future planting.