You can save lisianthus seeds! Saving lisianthus seeds is not only a cost-effective way to grow new plants, but it also allows you to continue growing the same beautiful blooms year after year. I have personally saved lisianthus seeds from my own garden and had great success with germination and growth.
To save lisianthus seeds, you will need to wait until the flowers have finished blooming and the petals have fallen off. At this point, the seed pods will start to form. The seed pods are small, elongated capsules that are green when they are young and turn brown as they mature.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to save lisianthus seeds:
1. Wait for the flowers to finish blooming: Lisianthus flowers will typically bloom in late spring or early summer, depending on your climate. Once the petals have fallen off, you’ll know that the flower is ready to start producing seeds.
2. Identify the seed pods: Look for the small, elongated seed pods that are forming at the base of the flower where the petals used to be. These pods will start off green and gradually turn brown as they mature.
3. Allow the seed pods to fully mature: It’s important to let the seed pods fully mature on the plant before harvesting them. This ensures that the seeds inside are fully developed and viable. The seed pods will turn brown and become dry and brittle when they are ready to be harvested.
4. Harvest the seed pods: Once the seed pods are dry and brown, carefully cut them off the plant using a pair of scissors or garden shears. Place the seed pods in a paper bag or envelope to catch any seeds that may fall out during the harvesting process.
5. Remove the seeds from the pods: To extract the seeds from the pods, gently crush the dried seed pods in your hand or use a mortar and pestle. Be careful not to crush the seeds themselves, as this may damage them. Alternatively, you can use your fingers to open the seed pods and remove the seeds individually.
6. Store the seeds: After extracting the seeds, you’ll want to store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them. You can use small envelopes or seed storage containers to keep them organized. Be sure to label the containers with the date and variety of lisianthus seeds to avoid any confusion later on.
7. Planting the saved seeds: Lisianthus seeds can be planted directly in the garden or started indoors in pots or trays. If starting indoors, sow the seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days.
8. Caring for the seedlings: Once the lisianthus seedlings have emerged, provide them with bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist. Transplant them into larger containers or into the garden when they have developed a few sets of true leaves. Lisianthus plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
By following these steps, you can save lisianthus seeds and continue to enjoy these beautiful flowers year after year. It’s a rewarding process that allows you to connect with nature and have a hand in the growth and development of your garden.
