11 Seeds to Store in Paper Bags This Fall

There Are Certain Seeds You Should Store in Paper Bags This Fall

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Fall arrives like a friendly reminder that your garden’s greatest treasures aren’t the blossoms you admired all summer—it’s the seeds hiding inside them. There’s something wildly satisfying about gathering those tiny future-plants and tucking them away like secret investments for spring. Storing seeds in paper bags feels old-school in the best possible way: simple, reliable, breathable, and somehow a little magical.

The whole ritual, from plucking dried pods to labeling envelopes, gives gardeners the same thrill treasure hunters must feel when finding gold. If you’re gearing up for seed-saving season, here are eleven types of seeds you definitely want to stash in paper bags before winter settles in.

1. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are incredibly rewarding to save because each head contains a jackpot of seeds waiting to be stored. After the petals fade and the centers darken, the seeds practically announce that they’re ready to be harvested. Paper bags help keep them dry and prevent mold, especially if there’s still a hint of outdoor moisture clinging to them. These seeds not only promise stunning summer blooms but can also feed birds if you decide to plant extras. With just a few dried heads, you’ll have enough sunflower seeds to start an entire mini-field next spring.

2. Marigold Seeds

Marigolds are practically the superheroes of the garden, and their seeds are just as convenient to save. Once the flowers dry up, the long, slender seeds pull easily from the pods and store beautifully in a simple paper bag. Because these seeds are lightweight and dry quickly, they do exceptionally well in breathable containers. Marigolds are also famously beginner-friendly, making saved seeds a great choice for new gardeners experimenting with seed storage. Best of all, their bright colors and bug-repelling abilities mean you’ll always want a few in next year’s garden.

3. Zinnia Seeds

Zinnias are beloved for being vibrant, sturdy, and endlessly cheerful, and their seeds are just as delightful to collect. The dried flower heads crumble easily, revealing arrow-shaped seeds that store wonderfully in paper bags. Zinnias come in dozens of colors and shapes, and saving your own seeds ensures you get more of whatever variety stole your heart this year. Because they’re so adaptable, zinnia seeds stay viable for a long time as long as they’re kept dry. When spring rolls around, you’ll be thrilled you took a few minutes in fall to collect these gems.

4. Cosmos Seeds

Cosmos produce elegant, whimsical blooms that sway dramatically in summer breezes, and their seeds are equally charming. Once the petals fall away, they leave behind spiky, elongated seeds that are incredibly easy to pluck and store. Paper bags prevent any lingering moisture from ruining the batch, ensuring they last all winter. Cosmos reseed themselves in nature, so saving them manually just gives you extra control—and extra abundance. By next year, you might end up with an entire cosmos meadow without even trying.

5. Basil Seeds

Herbs deserve just as much seed-saving attention as flowers, and basil leads the pack. After it bolts and produces tiny blossoms, the seed pods dry into perfect little containers full of dark seeds waiting to be harvested. Paper bags are ideal for basil because they help the pods finish drying without trapping moisture. These seeds will give you aromatic, pesto-worthy plants for months next year. Growing basil from saved seed adds an extra layer of pride to every dish you make.

6. Bean Seeds

Beans are some of the easiest vegetable seeds to save, especially once the pods turn dry and brittle. Letting them fully mature ensures the seeds inside will store well and sprout reliably in the spring. Paper bags help wick away any remaining humidity, which is crucial since bean seeds can rot if kept sealed too early. Many gardeners love saving beans because you get to pick your favorite varieties and keep them growing year after year. From green beans to heirloom shelling beans, storing them properly guarantees a delicious future harvest.

7. Tomato Seeds

Tomato seeds require a tiny bit more effort to prep, but once they’re dried, they store beautifully in paper bags. The key is allowing them to fully dry after separating them from the pulp—a step paper helps with by allowing airflow. Storing them this way ensures they stay viable long-term and don’t fall victim to mold. Saving your own tomato seeds also lets you preserve your favorite flavors and textures from this year’s crop. Homegrown tomatoes taste too good not to make sure you can grow them again.

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8. Pepper Seeds

Like tomatoes, pepper seeds come from some of the garden’s most irresistible plants. Once the peppers ripen and dry slightly, their seeds are easy to remove and even easier to store. Paper bags keep them perfectly dry, which is crucial because peppers can be sensitive to moisture. These seeds store extremely well, often lasting several years when handled correctly. Whether you prefer sweet peppers or fiery ones, saving seeds means you control your garden’s heat level next season.

9. Calendula Seeds

Calendula seeds look like quirky little curls, but don’t let their shape fool you—they’re hardy and worth saving. As the flower heads dry, the seeds detach easily and retain their viability for a long time. Paper storage helps ensure they stay dry, especially since calendula seeds can absorb moisture quickly. These cheerful flowers are not only attractive but also great for pollinators and even homemade skincare projects. Having your own stash ensures you can plant entire clusters of them next year.

10. Dill Seeds

Dill produces umbrella-like seed heads that practically harvest themselves once they dry out. Their seeds fall easily into a waiting paper bag, making the process effortless and fast. Dill seeds stay fragrant and potent when stored properly, which makes them perfect for both planting and culinary use. Paper bags help keep their aroma intact while protecting them from mold. By spring, you’ll be ready to grow fresh herbs or season your cooking straight from your saved stash.

11. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are larger and a bit messier to prep, but storing them is incredibly satisfying once they’re fully dried. Paper bags are great for them because they allow excellent airflow, helping big seeds dry thoroughly without spoiling. Saving pumpkin seeds means you can grow your own carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, or decorative varieties. They store well and stay viable for years if handled correctly. There’s nothing quite like growing next fall’s pumpkin patch from seeds you saved this year.

Your Fall Seed Collection Starts Now

Saving seeds in paper bags isn’t just practical—it’s fun, nostalgic, and immensely rewarding. Each seed you store is a promise you’re making to your future garden, one that pays off in beauty, flavor, and satisfaction. By collecting seeds this fall, you’re setting yourself up for a richer and more personal growing season next year. Whether you’re preserving heirlooms or just stocking up on your favorites, paper bags are a simple and reliable storage method.

Have you tried saving seeds before? Share your stories, questions, or seed-saving wins below in our helpful comments section.