Lobelia plants, with their cascades of colorful blooms, are a beloved addition to many gardens, gracing hanging baskets, containers, and borders. Collecting seeds from your favorite lobelia varieties offers a rewarding way to propagate these charming annuals or perennials, ensuring a continuous display of their vibrant blues, purples, and whites. This practice also provides a cost-effective method for expanding your garden or sharing these delightful plants with others.
Timing Your Lobelia Seed Harvest
Successfully collecting lobelia seeds begins with proper timing; seeds must be mature but not yet dispersed by the plant. Lobelia typically produces seeds in late summer to early fall, following its flowering period. As blooming diminishes, focus on the lower sections of the plant, where the earliest flowers developed into seed pods.
Mature seed pods are small, capsule-like structures that have transitioned from green to a dried, brownish, or tan color. These dried pods may also feel slightly papery or brittle to the touch. Harvest before the pods fully dry and open, which would allow the tiny seeds to scatter naturally.
Gathering Your Seed Collection Tools
Collecting lobelia seeds requires a few simple tools. You will need small, sharp scissors or pruners to snip the delicate seed pods from the plant. Paper bags or envelopes are useful for collecting the harvested pods, allowing them to dry further, and preventing seed loss.
A fine mesh sieve or colander can be helpful for separating the tiny seeds from any chaff or plant debris. Labels and a pen are necessary to accurately mark your collected seeds with the plant type and collection date.
Step-by-Step Lobelia Seed Collection
Begin the collection process by examining your lobelia plants, focusing on the dried, brownish seed pods located along the spent flower stalks. Using small scissors or pruners, snip off these mature seed pods, ideally with a small portion of the stem attached. Place the harvested pods directly into a paper bag or envelope to prevent any premature scattering of the tiny seeds.
Once you have gathered enough dried pods, begin extracting the seeds. Lobelia seeds are tiny, often appearing as reddish-brown specks. Gently crush or rub the dried pods between your fingers over a clean sheet of paper or a plate. This action helps to release the minute seeds from their capsules.
Alternatively, place the dried seed pods in a fine mesh sieve and gently rub them against the mesh, allowing the tiny seeds to fall through while retaining larger pieces of debris. Another method involves placing the pods in a paper bag and shaking it to dislodge the seeds, which will collect at the bottom. Since the seeds are so small, it is common to find them mixed with bits of dried plant material, or “chaff.” A small amount of chaff will not affect viability or future planting success.
Drying and Storing Lobelia Seeds
After collection, thoroughly drying lobelia seeds is important to prevent mold and maintain their viability. Spread the collected seeds, along with any accompanying chaff, in a thin layer on a paper plate, a clean screen, or a sheet of paper. Place this in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Adequate air circulation is important for proper drying.
Allow the seeds to dry for several days, until they are completely dry and brittle. This ensures that no moisture remains, which could lead to spoilage during storage. Once thoroughly dried, transfer the seeds into small paper envelopes or breathable paper bags. These materials allow for some air exchange and prevent moisture buildup.
Store the labeled seed packets in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a closet, pantry, or a dedicated seed storage container. Consistent cool temperatures and low humidity are beneficial for extending seed longevity. Properly stored lobelia seeds can remain viable for approximately three years.