collecting rose campion seeds

16 years ago

Forgive me for this newbie question but I can't seem to find the answer on the site. I'm getting pretty good with good old store-bought perennials but just begininng to work with some seeds.

I have some rose campion (Lychnis Coronaria) growing in my garden and they do a nice job of self seeding but I would like to collect some seeds to spread in a new area.

When I split open the exausted flowers I see lots of tiny white seeds. Are these viable or do I need hold off and let them fry more and get darker in color.

As a test I was planning to sow some now and save a few to stratify in the house for spring planting.

Any thoughts???

Featured Answer

annette_1964

16 years ago

Hi,
Yes, you need to let the seed pods turn real dark and the pod will have an opening on top and when you turn the pod down the small black seeds will fall out. I was out this afternoon collecting some and it is hard work as the seeds are very small. If the seeds drop and germinate you will have little seedlings coming up everywhere the wind blows them. Hope this helps and good luck with your seeds.
Annette

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Comments (8)

ms_welty
Original Author
16 years ago
thx for the help annette.
i suspected that i was taking the seeds too early. i'll have to be more patient...
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bakemom_gw
16 years ago
In addition, even after the pods open and seed fall out, give them a little squeeze as sometimes a bunch get hung up. They should be fairly dry and crack as you pinch them.

When I harvest rose campion I take a pair of scissors and a large bowl so I can cut down and shake seed off at the same time. Some pods don't turn dark, just a light brown, so look for the opening at the top. I figure that when ma nature is ready to cut the seeds loose, they are ready. It's worked so far for four years of harvest.
ms_welty
Original Author
16 years ago
sounds good. maybe i'll finally have some seeds to share with all of the people who have given me plants as i got the gardens started. i deadhead these quite a bit and they bloom for a long time. i love them coming up in the middle of some short sedum. the contrast in color and size is really nice...

any thoughts on a companion plant, maybe something with yellow flowers???
bitterwort
16 years ago
I'm growing rose campion this year for the first time simply because I saw a gorgeous photo of it paired with some short intensely blue larkspur and a white snapdragon as an accent. Can't wait until next year to see what that looks like in the garden...
northerner_on
16 years ago
If you like the fuschia and yellow mix try evening primrose. I got that mix accidentally this year, and it was quite a riot of colour. Not to everyone's fancy though. Will send you a pic. later.
daphnelogue
16 years ago
Thanks for your replies to the newbie: I collected my seeds this morning JUST like you said and it was a success!

THANK YOU!
ms_welty
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks northerner, I might try that as I have some evening primrose in another area. I have learned to enjoy the accidents - for me gardening is never 100% planned. I 'suggest' with my planting and plans and mother nature tweaks the details.

ps. If you have a photo I'd love to see it.