The spider flower's long, thin stamens resemble spider legs, giving the plant its name. If it feels comfortable in its location, then it takes off itself and delights the viewer with its extraordinarily decorative flowers for many weeks.
The seeds of the spider flower need some time to mature
What do spider flower seeds look like?
The seeds of the spider flower grow in elongated pods. If these pods are light yellow, the seeds are still immature and whitish. They should mature on the plant for as long as possible. However, if you have small children playing in the garden unsupervised, caution is advised, because the spider flower is poisonous.
The dark, slightly shriveled pods contain the ripe greyish-black seeds. The seeds should be kept dry and cool until sowing. They can germinate for up to three years. In contrast to the plants, they are even hardy.
Are the seeds poisonous?
The seeds of the spider flower are actually poisonous. They contain substances similar to alkaloids and plenty of mustard oil glycosides. Consuming the seeds causes gastrointestinal problems. These can be improved by taking activated charcoal.
Sow the spider flower
If you want to sow the spider flower directly outdoors, you should wait until there are no more night frosts and the temperature is permanently around 18-20 °C. In the house or in the heated greenhouse, you can start growing the spider flower as early as the end of February.
As light germinators, the seeds are not covered with substrate or soil, at best sprinkled thinly. Consistent moisture and warmth are important prerequisites for the seeds to germinate well. If there are still no seedlings after about 14 - 20 days, then you should check these conditions and improve them if necessary.
Worth knowing in key points:
- Seeds are hardy
- germinable for up to three years
- Spider flower velvet itself
- Seeds are poisonous
- light germinator
tips
Spider flower seeds are hardy. They will germinate next spring as soon as the temperature is consistently around 18 - 20 °C.