Separating seeds from chaff

[Jonny.D]

Hi Guys
Starting this thread so we can share any techniques developed to save time & frustration when doing this task :-)

If you have something to add to an already suggested technique / idea could you also include the original post in yours so as the ideas are updated and kept together in the new post.

Dahlia seeds.
I've been grabbing handfuls, letting them drop from a height of about 2ft onto a sheet and then fanning the chaff that collects on the top of the pile with a piece of card.

This gets rid of the majority of the chaff and what is left I separate by hand.

[piskieinboots]

Good timing. I'm about to attempt to save agapanthus seeds - no idea how I'm going to do it yet. So if anyone has managed to save and grow I'd love to hear.

[veggiechicken]

Good thread, Jonny
I sieve seeds through a colander to get out the big bits of chaff then through a small strainer.
I've tried "winnowing" as recommended by Realseeds but seem to blow away the seeds too! How to Thresh & Winnow seed at home

[BUFFS]

I use an old hairdryer, gently clamped in a vice, on a soft setting , and I hold a washing up bowl below and pour the seeds through the breeze, the strength of which depends on the seed size, so you only get "heavy" rubbish dropping into the bowl, easily seen and removed... don't use OH currant hairdryer or, as I found out the expression "doghouse" becomes a your fate...

[ESBkevin]

The traditional winnowing method works for me. If the seed is very fine then a kitchen sieve is good or winnow indoors where you can control the 'breeze'. Balancing the height with the breeze is the key to this, sunflower seeds sometimes need about 6ft in a gentle breeze of half that in a stronger wind.

[Jonny.D]

I've been reading / watching videos on separating seed and this method is working well for me.

Using a mixing bowl 11" Wide, 5" High.



Gently rub Dahlia seeds between hands to separate any seeds that are still stuck to the chaff.

Put seed in the bowl and then blow onto the top inside edge of the bowl.

The blown air will spiral around the bowl carrying the lighter chaff out.

You will lose a few of the lighter seeds.

Also works well for sunflower seeds.

[Scarlet]

I use several small sieves, the little seeds fall through and you are left with the rubbish. If it's larger seed I just rub the mix together and force the chaff through the sieve, seeds are tough and don't break.
If there's lots, I often just don't bother! I sow lot, chaff and all.