Harvesting and Storing Seeds - Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium)

Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) Seed Collecting

Fireweed is done blooming for the summer. With the beautiful blooms disappearing we can now collect seeds to further spread this tall native wildflower. In the Pacific Northwest you can start collecting fireweed seeds around July into September. When collecting, ensure you follow ethical harvesting principles and only take what is needed.

Harvesting and Storing Seeds - Fireweed

Once the plant has bloomed a long seed pod will develop. The seed pod with continue to develop as the plant continues to flower up the inflorescence. The pod will dry and eventually split open, releasing the light weight fluffy seeds. At this point you can collect these fluffy seeds.

Storing your Seeds

When storing fireweed seeds you do not need to remove the fluff. The fluff does not effect germination and can be difficult to remove, making it a waste of time to remove. You can store the seeds in cool and dry location out of sunlight. I like to place the seeds in a paper envelope until stratification or planting.

Stratification Requirements

A cold damp stratification of 1 months is recommended. To do this place the seeds in a moist paper towel inside of a plastic bag or other container and store in the refrigerator. Or consider sowing outdoors for a natural stratification.