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Calla lilies produce seeds that you can collect for growing new plants, and knowing how to collect seeds from calla lilies is an easy way to propagate these beautiful flowers.
Collecting seeds from calla lilies involves waiting for the flowers to mature, harvesting seed pods, drying the seeds properly, and storing them for future planting.
If you’re interested in growing your own calla lilies from seeds instead of buying new plants, understanding how to collect seeds from calla lilies will give you the tools to do just that.
In this post, we’ll dive into why and when to collect seeds, how to harvest and prepare them, and the best tips to succeed with seed propagation of calla lilies.
Let’s unlock the secrets of how to collect seeds from calla lilies so you can enjoy these lovely plants year after year.
Why and When to Collect Seeds from Calla Lilies
Collecting seeds from calla lilies is a rewarding way to grow your own plants and preserve your favorite varieties.
1. Understanding Calla Lily Seed Production
Calla lilies produce seeds inside seed pods that form after the flowers fade.
The seed pods develop where the flower’s spadix was located, turning from green to brown as they ripen.
Learning how to collect seeds from calla lilies means knowing to wait until these seed pods are mature and dry before harvesting.
Picking seeds before they are fully ripe can result in immature seeds that won’t germinate well.
2. Knowing the Right Time to Collect Seeds from Calla Lilies
The best time to collect seeds from calla lilies is late summer to early fall, after the flowers have bloomed and the seed pods have dried on the plant.
You’ll see the seed pods turn a yellowish-brown or even dark brown, indicating the seeds inside are ready.
Waiting for the right time is key in how to collect seeds from calla lilies successfully because premature harvesting easily leads to poor seed viability.
3. Benefits of Collecting Seeds from Calla Lilies
By learning how to collect seeds from calla lilies, you can save money by growing new plants from seeds instead of buying bulbs.
It also allows you to experiment with hybridizing your own calla lilies if you let different varieties cross-pollinate and collect their seeds.
Plus, saving seeds is a more sustainable gardening practice and can give you a supply of plants year after year.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Collect Seeds from Calla Lilies
Now that you know why and when to collect seeds from calla lilies, let’s break down the practical steps for harvesting and preparing seeds.
1. Wait for Seed Pods to Mature and Dry
After your calla lily blooms, watch the flower’s base for seed pod development.
The seed pods form where the spadix was, and they’ll grow plump and green at first.
Then as the pods mature, they begin to dry, turning brown and brittle.
This readiness indicates you can move on to harvesting, an essential part of how to collect seeds from calla lilies.
2. Harvest the Seed Pods Carefully
Use garden scissors or pruners to cut the seed pods from the plant once they feel dry and start turning brown.
Handle the pods gently to avoid scattering seeds everywhere prematurely.
Harvesting in the morning when conditions are dry is ideal because moisture can cause mold during drying.
3. Dry the Seed Pods Fully
Place your cut seed pods on a paper towel or tray in a warm, airy spot indoors to dry completely.
This drying stage typically takes about one to two weeks, depending on humidity levels.
Fully drying the pods helps loosen the seeds inside and prevents them from rotting after collection.
4. Extract the Seeds from the Pods
Once the pods are brittle and dry, gently crush them to release the seeds.
Use a fine sieve to separate the seeds from the chaff and debris.
Collect the small, usually dark-colored seeds and discard the unwanted material.
5. Store the Seeds Properly
Place the cleaned seeds in an envelope or small paper bag labeled with the collection date.
Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season.
Proper storage will keep seeds viable for several months up to a year.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Seed Collection and Germination of Calla Lilies
To increase your success rate in how to collect seeds from calla lilies, these tips will make your efforts easier and more effective.
1. Avoid Collecting Seeds from Hybrid Calla Lilies
If you want seeds that reliably grow into calla lilies with expected traits, avoid collecting seeds from hybrid varieties.
Hybrids may produce seeds that don’t “come true” to the parent plant’s look or health.
For consistent results, collect seeds from heirloom or non-hybrid calla lilies.
2. Be Patient with Seed Germination
Calla lily seeds typically take about 2 to 3 weeks to germinate under warm, moist conditions.
Use a seed-starting mix and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Be prepared to wait patiently and avoid disturbing your seedlings during this early stage.
3. Use Fresh Seeds When Possible
Freshly collected seeds from your calla lilies tend to germinate better than seeds stored for long periods.
If you have the option, plant your seeds within a few months of collection to increase chances of success.
4. Maintain Proper Growing Conditions
Calla lily seeds like warmth and indirect sunlight to germinate properly.
Temperatures around 70°F (21°C) are ideal for starting seedlings.
Once seedlings grow their true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or directly into your garden when frost risk passes.
5. Label Your Seed Collections
When collecting seeds from different calla lily varieties, clearly label each batch to avoid confusion later.
This practice helps track which seeds produce the best plants and maintain your gardening records.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Collecting Seeds from Calla Lilies
Even if you know how to collect seeds from calla lilies, small errors can reduce your success rate and frustrate your efforts.
1. Harvesting Seed Pods Too Early
Picking seed pods before they fully mature results in seeds that won’t germinate or produce weak plants.
Always wait for pods to dry and brown completely on the plant before harvesting.
2. Not Drying Seeds Properly
Failing to fully dry seeds before storing them often causes mold growth or seed rot.
Give your pods enough time to air dry in a warm, well-ventilated area.
3. Storing Seeds in Plastic Bags
Plastic bags trap moisture, which can ruin your seed collection.
Use paper envelopes or cloth bags that allow airflow for better seed preservation.
4. Ignoring Labeling Your Seeds
Without proper labels, you might forget which seed batch is which, making tracking plant types difficult.
So, How to Collect Seeds from Calla Lilies?
How to collect seeds from calla lilies is all about timing, patience, and proper handling of seed pods.
You start by waiting until the seed pods are fully mature and dry on the plant, typically late summer or early fall.
Then carefully harvest the pods, dry them indoors completely, extract the seeds, and store them in a cool, dry place.
By following these steps, you’ll have viable seeds ready for germination when you want to grow new calla lilies.
Avoid common pitfalls like harvesting too early or improper drying to boost your success.
With a little care and attention, collecting seeds from calla lilies is a simple, enjoyable way to propagate your favorite flowers.
Give it a try this growing season and watch your collection of calla lilies flourish from seed to bloom.