You have collected nasturtium seeds, but which are ripe enough to save?

These are nasturtium seeds. When ripe, they should feel hard and dry, usually light to dark brown rather than fresh green. They are often rounded and slightly wrinkled, like yours, but the important point is that they are no longer juicy or soft.

Many seeds in your photograph still look green, so they are not quite ready for storage. Save the beige or brown ones first. Spread the rest on paper with good air circulation in a dry indoor spot for a few more days to a week.

Signs that they are ready

• The seeds feel hard under gentle pressure.
• The colour has changed from green to beige, brown or dark brown-green.
• The surrounding seed pod is dry and papery.
• The seeds separate easily from the pod.

As it is late August in Sweden, there is still a chance to let more seed pods ripen on the plant if it remains in place and the weather is reasonably dry. To save seed for next year, put away only the driest seeds now and wait until the green ones have thoroughly dried. Discard any that become soft, spotted or mouldy during drying.