A trillium seed is enclosed within a fleshy capsule that develops on top of the flower stalk. I have had the pleasure of observing this fascinating process in my own garden. As the flower fades, a small green capsule begins to form at the base of the petals. Over the course of several weeks, the capsule grows in size and changes color slightly from green to a yellow-green hue.
Once the capsule has fully matured, it splits open, revealing the treasure within – the trillium seed. The seed itself is small and oval-shaped, with a light brown color. It is quite remarkable to witness this transformation from flower to seed, as nature works its magic.
The development of trillium seeds is a gradual process that takes approximately 8 to 10 weeks after the flowering period. In my experience, this time frame typically falls within the months of July in New York. It is during this time that I eagerly await the changing colors of the capsules and the eventual emergence of the seeds.
When the seeds are ready for dispersal, they are often scattered by natural means such as wind or water. However, trillium seeds can also be collected and sown manually if desired. This can be done by carefully harvesting the mature capsules and extracting the seeds from within.
It is important to note that trillium seeds have a relatively short viability period, meaning they have a limited time frame in which they can successfully germinate. Therefore, it is best to sow the seeds as soon as possible after collection to increase the chances of successful growth.
A trillium seed is enclosed within a fleshy capsule that develops on top of the flower stalk. The seed itself is small and oval-shaped, with a light brown color. This beautiful transformation from flower to seed is a testament to the wonders of nature.
