Growing hydrangea from seeds is indeed possible, but it requires patience and a little extra care. While hydrangeas are most commonly propagated through cuttings or division of existing plants, growing them from seeds can be a rewarding and exciting experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to successfully grow hydrangea from seed.
1. Harvesting the Seeds:
– Start by identifying mature hydrangea seed heads. These are usually dry, papery, and brown in color.
– Carefully cut the seed heads from the plant, ensuring that you collect them in a clean container or paper bag to prevent any loss of seeds.
– Gently crush the seed heads to release the individual seeds. Don’t worry if you can’t separate every seed from the chaff; they can be sown together.
2. Sowing the Seeds:
– Hydrangea seeds have a short viability period, so it’s best to sow them as soon as possible after harvesting. However, if you prefer, you can store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
– Fill a flat or tray with a well-draining potting soil. It’s essential to use a soil mix specifically formulated for starting seeds, as regular garden soil may be too heavy and can hinder germination.
– Spread the hydrangea seeds evenly on the surface of the soil. Avoid burying them, as they require light to germinate.
– Optionally, you can lightly sprinkle a thin layer of vermiculite or fine sand over the seeds to help retain moisture and provide a stable environment for germination.
3. Germination and Care:
– After sowing the seeds, mist the soil surface with water to ensure it’s evenly moist but not waterlogged. Alternatively, you can cover the flat with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect.
– Place the flat in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Hydrangea seeds typically require a consistent temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C) for germination.
– Check the moisture level regularly and mist the soil as needed to maintain a slightly damp environment. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal issues.
– Germination time can vary, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months. Be patient and keep caring for the seeds until they sprout.
– Once the seedlings have emerged, gradually expose them to more light, but avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate young plants.
– As the seedlings grow, thin them out by removing the weaker ones, allowing the stronger ones to develop more fully.
4. Transplanting and Growing:
– When the weather and soil conditions are suitable, and the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
– Choose a location with well-draining soil and partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Hydrangeas generally prefer dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade.
– Before transplanting, harden off your seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions over a week or two. Start with a few hours outside and gradually increase the time.
– Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of each seedling, gently place it in the hole, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
– Maintain consistent moisture during the initial growth period, but be cautious not to overwater. As the plants establish themselves, they will become more tolerant of drought.
– Provide regular care, including regular watering, mulching to retain moisture, and occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering plants.
– Depending on the hydrangea variety, it may take a couple of years for your seedlings to mature and start producing flowers. However, the wait is well worth it, as growing hydrangeas from seed allows you to observe the entire lifecycle of these beautiful plants.
While growing hydrangeas from seed may require more effort and patience compared to other propagation methods, it can be a rewarding experience for gardeners who enjoy experimenting and witnessing the entire growth process. Just remember to harvest mature seeds, sow them on the soil surface, provide proper moisture and light conditions for germination, and nurture the seedlings until they are ready for transplanting. With time and care, you can successfully grow your own hydrangea plants from seed and enjoy their stunning blooms in your garden.
