Turn Your Summer Bouquet into a Blooming Garden | Stems by Kerry

Did you know that some of the beautiful flowers in your summer bouquet could give you even more flowers next year? Yep — your bouquet is not just a pretty face! Hidden within a few of those gorgeous stems are seeds just waiting to bloom again, if you know what to look for.

In this post, we’ll show you how to collect, save, and sow seeds from your Stems by Kerry bunch — plus, a little extra tip on how to get even more life from your favourite stems through cuttings. Ready to turn your bouquet into a mini garden? Let’s get stuck in.

🌸 Look Out for These Seed-Giving Beauties

Not every flower is generous with seeds, but there are a few standout stems in our summer bouquets that are. Keep your eyes peeled for these:

• Lunaria (Honesty) – Known for its striking, silvery seed discs.

• Papaver (Poppy) – A romantic classic, with nut-shaped pods full of tiny black seeds.

• Helianthus (Sunflower) – The summer showstopper with seeds tucked right in the flower’s heart.

If your bouquet features any of these, don’t toss them once they start to fade! Instead, give them a second life by harvesting their seeds.

🌾 How to Collect and Store Your Seeds

The process is easier than you might think, and a lovely way to connect more deeply with your flowers.

Step 1: Let Them Dry

Once your bouquet starts to droop a little, remove the seed-producing stems and place them in a vase without water, somewhere dry and airy (think a sunny windowsill or shelf). Over time, the stems will dry out and turn brown.

Step 2: Harvest the Seeds

Here’s where the magic happens:

• Lunaria: Gently peel apart the flat, oval ‘coin-like’ pods. Inside, you’ll find the tiny seeds nestled between thin membranes.

• Papaver: Shake the seed pod over a bowl or envelope — you’ll hear the seeds rattle out like a tiny maraca!

• Helianthus: Look for the seeds in the flower’s centre. They can be gently plucked out once dried.

Step 3: Store Until Spring

Pop your seeds in labelled envelopes or little paper bags, and store them in a cool, dry place until March. Patience, petal — it’ll be worth the wait!

🌱 When and How to Sow Them

Come early spring, your seeds will be ready for a new lease of life.

• Start indoors in small pots, using seed compost and keeping them warm and moist.

• Place them near a sunny window or in a greenhouse, if you have one.

• Once the seedlings are strong and the risk of frost has passed, you can plant them outside.

Just imagine — next summer’s flowers, grown by you, from your own bouquet!

✂️ Fancy Even More Flowers? Take Cuttings!

Some stems in your bouquet might root in water if given the chance. Greenery like eucalyptus, mint, or rosemary can often sprout new roots after a few weeks in a vase. If you spot any little white roots forming, here’s what to do:

• Snip just below a node (the little bump on the stem).

• Place the cutting in water until roots develop.

• Once rooted, pot it up or plant it directly into your garden.

It’s a lovely way to keep a bit of your bouquet going — and grow your collection for free!

🌼 More Ways to Make Your Flowers Last

We believe your flowers should bring you joy for as long as possible. That’s why we’ve gathered our favourite tips and tricks to help you stretch the life of your bouquet — from drying flowers beautifully to turning petals into keepsakes. (Check out our full guide here )

Final Thoughts: More Than a Bouquet

At Stems by Kerry, we design every bunch with love, and it brings us so much joy to know they continue to bloom in your homes and gardens. Collecting seeds and cuttings is a beautiful, sustainable way to extend that joy — and grow a garden full of memories.

Tag us in your growing journey – we’d love to see your blooms next spring! 🌷