Harvesting Nasturtium Seeds: Edible Flowers, Spicy Leaves, and Year-Round Savings

Harvesting nasturtium seeds saves you money and secures next year’s bright orange blooms and peppery leaves—if you know when to look. 🌻 The secret lies in those papery seed pods that start green but turn brown and crispy, like tiny, edible paper lanterns.

One wrong timing, and you’ll end up with shriveled seeds that won’t sprout.

You’ll need just three things: sharp scissors, a dry spot indoors, and patience. The pods mature in late summer or early fall, depending on your climate. Snip them when they’re fully brown and dry, then lay them out on paper towels to finish drying.

This method preserves viability for years—perfect for heirloom varieties you’d hate to buy again.

Once dried, crack open the pods to reveal flat, dark seeds that look like tiny black beans. Store them in an envelope labeled with the variety and year. Next spring, you’ll have free plants that outperform store-bought seedlings—hardier, more vibrant, and ready to bloom earlier.

The best part? Every seed you save is a step away from seed companies.

Pro tip: Harvest on a dry day to avoid mold, and avoid shaking pods over your garden—birds love these seeds too. With this method, you’ll never pay for nasturtiums again, and your garden will stay packed with edible beauty year after year.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for harvesting nasturtium seeds

Here’s how to save seeds from your nasturtiums—simple, rewarding, and perfect for next year’s garden.

Wait until late summer or early fall when the seed pods turn from green to pale brown and begin to dry on the vine. These pods look like tiny, elongated peas. Choose the largest, firmest pods—they’ll yield the most viable seeds. Avoid any that look shriveled or damaged by pests, as those won’t store well.

Gently twist or pinch the pod to check its readiness. If it opens easily and releases seeds, it’s ready to harvest. If it’s still hard, give it another week. Nasturtium pods ripen unevenly, so check a few plants daily. A single healthy plant can produce dozens of pods, so you’ll have plenty to work with.

On a dry, sunny day, carefully cut or snip the pods from the stem using clean scissors or pruning shears. Place them in a paper bag (not plastic—it traps moisture and causes mold). Hang the bag upside down in a dry, well-ventilated spot like a garage or pantry, away from direct sunlight. This mimics the natural drying process and prevents spoilage.

Let the pods dry for 2-3 weeks, stirring the bag occasionally to ensure even airflow. You’ll know they’re fully dry when the pods rattle with seeds inside and open easily when squeezed. If any pods develop mold or feel damp, remove them immediately to protect the rest of your harvest.

Once the pods are dry, open them by gently crushing them in your hand or rolling them on a clean surface. Nasturtium seeds are flat, disc-shaped, and bright orange—they’ll pop out easily. Use a fine-mesh sieve or sifter to separate the seeds from the chaff and pod debris. Discard any discolored or shriveled seeds, as they won’t germinate.

Spread the clean seeds on a paper towel or clean sheet of newspaper in a single layer. Let them air-dry for another 24-48 hours to ensure all moisture is gone. This extra step prevents mold during storage. Store the seeds in a small envelope or airtight container labeled with the variety and harvest date.

Keep the sealed container in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator or basement. Nasturtium seeds remain viable for 3-5 years, though they lose vigor after the first year. Check them annually—if they feel damp or develop an off smell, discard them and start fresh. Properly stored seeds will give you a head start on next season’s edible flowers and spicy leaves.

For bonus savings, share extra seeds with fellow gardeners or plant a few now for a winter harvest of fresh nasturtium greens. Their peppery flavor adds a unique kick to salads, and the flowers make stunning edible garnishes.

Tips & tricks for perfectly harvesting nasturtium seeds

These little-known tricks will help you maximize your seed yield and keep them viable for years to come.

Pod Selection Matters: In Step 1, when choosing pods, look for ones that are firm but starting to open slightly—they're at the perfect stage. I've learned the hard way that pods that are still completely hard won't release seeds easily, while overripe pods can crumble. Aim for pods that feel papery thin but still intact. If you're unsure, check a few pods daily—they ripen unevenly!

Drying Strategy: The 2-3 week drying period in Step 2 is crucial for preventing mold. I hang my paper bags near a window with indirect sunlight—just enough light to see what's inside, but not direct rays that could heat up the bag. Stirring the bag every few days helps prevent clumping and ensures all pods dry evenly. If you live in a humid climate, consider placing a small silica gel packet in the bag to absorb excess moisture.

Seed Cleaning Hack: For Step 3, I've found that gently rolling the dried pods on a clean kitchen towel instead of crushing them by hand gives me cleaner seeds with less chaff. After sifting, I spread the seeds on a paper towel and let them dry under a fan for the 24-48 hour period—this speeds up the process and prevents any lingering moisture. The fan helps circulate air without blowing the seeds around.

Storage Wisdom: When storing your seeds in Step 4, I recommend using small glass jars with tight-sealing lids instead of envelopes. Glass containers protect better from moisture and pests, and you can see the seeds through the glass to check for any issues. Label each jar with the variety and harvest date—this helps you track which seeds are freshest. I also add a tiny packet of rice in each jar to help absorb any moisture that might develop over time.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about harvesting nasturtium seeds? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common queries—plus quick, practical answers to help you save seeds like a pro.

When is the best time to harvest nasturtium seeds?

Harvest seeds when the seed pods turn papery brown and start to split open naturally—usually 4–6 weeks after flowering. If you wait too long, the seeds may scatter or sprout in the pod. For a head start, collect pods just as they begin to dry but before they crack open.

Do I need to dry nasturtium seeds before storing them?

Yes! After harvesting, spread seeds on a tray in a warm, dry place for 1–2 weeks to fully dry. This prevents mold and ensures viability. Once completely dry (they’ll rattle inside the pod), store them in a paper envelope or airtight container in a cool, dark spot for up to 3 years.

What if my nasturtium pods don’t open on their own?

If pods stay green or woody, they’re not ready yet. Try gently squeezing them—if seeds pop out, they’re dry enough. For stubborn pods, place them in a brown paper bag and tie it shut for 24 hours. The ethylene gas will help speed up drying. Pro tip: Deadhead spent blooms early to redirect energy to seed production!

Can I save seeds from hybrid nasturtiums?

Hybrid nasturtiums (like ‘Alaska’ or ‘Empress of India’) may not true to type, meaning their seeds might not grow plants identical to the parent. For consistent results, stick to heirloom varieties like ‘Jewel Mix’ or ‘Dwarf Jewel’. If you’re experimenting, save seeds anyway—you might discover a new favorite!