How to Save Herb Seeds
Free herbs forever - save seeds from your favorite culinary herbs
Bonus: Herb Seeds Are Spices!
Many herb seeds are the spices you buy at the store! Cilantro seeds = coriander, dill seeds = dill seed spice, fennel seeds = fennel spice. Save extra for cooking!
Herb-by-Herb Seed Saving
Cilantro/Coriander
6-8 weeks after floweringLet plants bolt and flower. Seeds (coriander) form in round clusters. Harvest when brown and dry. Seeds are the spice coriander!
Dill
2-3 weeks after floweringLet flower heads (umbels) dry on plant until brown. Cut and shake over container. Seeds are dill seed spice!
Parsley
4-6 weeks after floweringBiennial - flowers in second year. Let flower heads dry, cut and thresh seeds. Small and difficult to see.
Oregano
4-6 weeks after floweringLet flowers dry on plant until brown. Cut flower heads and rub to release tiny seeds. Very small!
Thyme
4-6 weeks after floweringSame as oregano - let flowers dry, rub to release seeds. Extremely tiny seeds.
Sage
6-8 weeks after floweringLet flower spikes dry completely. Each dried calyx contains 4 small nutlets (seeds).
General Herb Seed Saving Steps
Designate Seed Plants
Stop harvesting from plants you want to save seeds from. Let them flower and set seed freely.
Wait for Complete Drying
Seeds should be fully dry and brown on the plant. Test: seeds should release easily when touched or shaken.
Harvest Before Shattering
Harvest seed heads just before seeds naturally fall. Cut whole heads into paper bags to catch any that drop.
Thresh & Clean
Rub dried seed heads to release seeds. Winnow away chaff by gently blowing or using a fan. For tiny seeds, work over white paper.
Store Properly
Store in labeled paper envelopes inside an airtight container. Keep cool, dry, and dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herbs are easiest to save seeds from?
Dill, cilantro (coriander), and parsley are easiest - they produce abundant seeds and self-sow readily. Basil is also straightforward. Perennial herbs like thyme and oregano are trickier.
Can I use coriander seeds from the spice aisle?
Commercial coriander is often heat-treated for longer shelf life. Some may germinate but rates are low. For reliable germination, save seeds from your own plants or buy seeds intended for planting.
Will my herbs self-sow if I let them go to seed?
Yes! Dill, cilantro, and parsley self-sow prolifically. Let some seeds drop in the garden for free plants next year. Or collect seeds before they scatter to plant where you want them.
How long do herb seeds last?
Most herb seeds remain viable 2-4 years. Parsley seeds have shorter viability (1-2 years). Always store cool, dry, and dark for longest life.