Any seed you gather must be ‘viable,’ meaning that it has the ability to germinate. In most cases, the viable seed may be seen in the seedhead, which is especially true of species. If you don’t see any seeds, no matter how little, they haven’t yet set and will not germinate.
Only a few of the seeds in the seedhead are viable in certain types, so you’ll only be able to view a few seeds. Wait until the seeds become brown before collecting them for all types, as this is the most typical sign that they’ve matured and dried and may be properly kept.
Depending on the species, clematis seeds produce a profusion of blooms in a range of colors and forms. Climbing vines may be used to dress up arbors and trellises, as well as cling to ugly walls.
Clematis vines of various types can survive the winter in a broad variety of temperatures, ranging from USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 11. Unfortunately, many of these lovely perennials are short-lived. Collect the seeds after flowering to re-grow the vines.
Before we go to the steps, here are collecting materials that you need:
Now, let us discuss how to harvest clematis seeds.
- Look for indicators of maturity, such as browning of the head and a feathery feel to the hairs, in the seed heads that follow the blooms. Harvesting before this time is not recommended since the seeds are not yet mature. Green seed heads with silky or floss-like hairs are common.
- To produce a clean split, pull the seed head toward you while squeezing the stem behind it. With your other hand, place a jar under the head to collect any seeds that fall.
- Examine the seeds by gently shaking the seed head over the container. They ought to be brown. If they’re still green, stop picking and try again in a few days. If the seeds do not easily fall out of the head, carefully pull them out by the hair with tweezers.
- Place the seeds in a cool, dry location with a cover on the container. They may either be planted directly in the ground or germinated indoors in the fall.
Read also: How to Grow Clematis from Cuttings Step By Step
Germinating Clematis from Seeds
Clematis seeds might take up to three years to germinate, but you should see some results in six to twelve months. In the fall, collect ripe seed and plant it in sterile seed starting mix with a thin layer of sand on top.
Place the container in a zip-lock plastic bag and store it outside in a shaded position (or in the refrigerator) for many months over the winter to allow it to freeze and thaw numerous times.
Then wait for your first seedling to emerge from the covered container, which should be kept warm and out of direct sunlight. The little plants should be plucked out of the germination container and put into a small pot using a sterile soilless mix as the seeds germinate. (Tp: Learn more about growing Clematis from seeds)
Keep in mind that the root will start out as a single long root. It will require a larger container, fertilizer, and consistent watering as it grows larger. Pinch out the growing tip when the plant has three pairs of leaves to encourage branching.
Hybrid clematis seeds seldom breed true to the parent, so you can end up with a unique and fascinating cultivar that you can name after yourself or a loved one.
The chances of getting a new winner are roughly one in 200, although the blooms will be decent and of little economic worth. If you have too many, they make fantastic presents for other gardeners.
It will take at least a year for your seedling to bloom for the first time and another three years for it to grow into a full plant. Before putting it in the garden, I generally wait till it blooms. A greenhouse is beneficial. It’s a labor of love for sure!
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Conclusion
I hope you find this article helpful. I would like to hear from you. So, let me know if you have any questions about collecting clematis seeds.
References
- Assessment of propagation efficiency of Clematis L. green cuttings in Western Siberia, IOP SCIENCE
- Breeding system and pollination ecology of a potentially invasive alien Clematis vitalba L. in Ireland, OXFORD ACADEMIC JOUNRAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
- Improvement of germination of Clematis integrifolia L. seeds with seed pre-treatments, REARCHGATE
