- Harvesting amaryllis fruit - this is how it works
- The fresher the seeds, the higher the germination rate
Their large capsule fruits are bulging with dark seeds. In this way, the amaryllis provides the ideal material for numerous offspring. As an ambitious hobby gardener, who can resist this invitation to propagate for free? Here we explain how to harvest and sow the seeds correctly.
When the flowers and leaves have faded, the amaryllis produces fruit
Harvesting amaryllis fruit - this is how it works
Within 2 months after pollination, the plump infructescence proudly and unmistakably rises above the withered petals. As a rule, the individual fruit has 3 chambers in which the black seeds ripen. As a sure signal that the seeds are ready for harvest, the capsules open gradually and reveal the seeds. How to harvest correctly:
- Grasp a single Star Star fruit on the stem between two (gloved) fingers
- Bend the capsule to the side at the former flower stalk
- Gently peel open the bracts to remove the seeds
Put the seeds on a plate so that they can dry for 1 to 2 days. Please exercise as little pressure as possible on the seed leaves during all movements in order not to damage the embryo inside. When handling a poisonous knight star, do not do without the protection of gloves.
The fresher the seeds, the higher the germination rate
If you sow knight star seeds within a few days after harvesting, you benefit from a germination rate of up to 80 percent. A mix of coconut fibers and cactus soil has proven to be excellent as a substrate. Since these are light germinators, sieve the seeds up to a height of 0.5 cm with sand or vermiculite and pour in a fine spray. Under the protection of a transparent hood, germination starts within 14 to 21 days at warm room temperatures.
tips
Not a single fruit will thrive on the Ritterstern without pollination. Since busy insects rarely stray onto the windowsill as natural pollinators, the gardener acts as their representative. From the third day after the start of the flowering period, take a cotton swab to hand. With this you transfer the yellow pollen to the upright, creamy-white pistil.