Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) is a spring-blooming native wildflower found in woodlands and shaded prairies. Its unique seed dispersal method makes timing the harvest a bit tricky but rewarding.
Best time to collect seeds:
Late spring to early summer — usually late May through June, depending on your region.
Signs seeds are ready:
After flowering, Wild Geranium produces a long, beak-like seed capsule (inspiring the name "crane’s-bill").
As it matures, the capsule turns from green to tan or brown and begins to curl upward.
At maturity, the capsule will spring open explosively, flinging seeds several feet away.
Timing is critical: Collect when the capsules begin to dry but before they curl and pop. Gently tug — if the capsule feels dry and ready to split, it’s time.
Seed collection tips:
Snip entire seed heads into a paper bag before they fully dry and spring open.
Let them finish drying indoors; many will release seeds naturally in the bag.
Sift through and separate seeds from chaff using a fine screen or by hand.
Germination note:
Seeds may benefit from cold-moist stratification for 60–90 days to break dormancy. Store in moist sand or paper towel in the fridge, or sow outdoors in fall.