- 1). The seeds of the anise hyssop are very small. They are found in the throats of the tiny flowers that grow in whorls around the stem, creating a spike of flowers. You will know the seeds are ready when you look at a flower spike (which often maintains its lavender color at this stage) and see tiny black points at the throat of each blossom.
- 2). The easiest way to collect seeds is by cutting off the entire flower spike. To preserve seeds and avoid losing too many, gently cut the stem below the spike. Hold the spike upright (if you tip it over all the ripe seeds will fall right out) and place in a bowl or cup while you collect more flower spikes.
- 3). Once you've collected as many flower spikes as you want, spread out a clean white sheet of paper. Hold a flower spike by the stem and tip it over the paper. Many seeds will fall out as soon as you tip the flower spike over. To encourage more seeds to fall out, spin the stem between your fingers or gently rub your finger down along the flower spike.
- 4). Place the seeds on a paper towel for a day or two to ensure that the seeds are completely dry. Dry seeds prevent the risk of the seeds rotting or the potential growth of mold.
- 5). Pick out any chaff and pour the seeds into a clean dry container that is moisture proof. Avoid storing the seeds in paper or cloth as these materials are absorbent and could absorb enough water to cause the seeds to rot or grow mold.