- Seed ripening in summer
- Characteristics of the seeds
- Sow the seeds in autumn or spring
- tips and tricks
Whether collected or purchased - the seeds of the grape hyacinth are inconspicuous. But they contain the power to create new plants. When do they mature, what do they look like and how are they sown?
Grape hyacinth seeds can be collected in May or June
Seed ripening in summer
The flowering period of the grape hyacinth lasts for several weeks, depending on the species and variety. It begins in March and can extend into May. As a result, there is no fixed time when all seeds are ripe. You can usually expect and collect mature seeds between May and June.
Collect the seeds when the pericarp has dried up and opened. But beware: you have to be quick. Otherwise, the seeds will fall out and be blown away by the wind. It is practical to take a pair of scissors and use them to cut off the stems with the seeds. At home, the seeds can then be shaken out over paper.
Characteristics of the seeds
The seeds of the pearl hyacinth, which are located at the end of the leafless stems, have the following characteristics:
- are in three-part capsule fruits (open when ripe)
- each chamber has one or two seeds
- Seeds are 2.5 mm long
- Shape: ovoid to rounded
- Colour: black, matte
- cold germinator
Sow the seeds in autumn or spring
Although the grape hyacinth likes to self-sow, you can also take the propagation into your own hands. To do this, the seeds are sown in autumn or spring. They should not be sown in summer as they need cold temperatures to germinate. After sowing, the soil is kept moist.
A cold period is followed by a warmer period in which the seeds need 2 to 3 weeks to germinate. The ideal germination temperature is 15 °C. But it takes several years before you can admire the flowers on the little plants that have developed for the first time. The reason: the grape hyacinth initially attaches importance to the formation of a strong bulb.
tips and tricks
Like all other parts of the grape hyacinth plant, the seeds are also poisonous. So make sure they are out of the reach of small children and pets!