Lantana is a popular flowering shrub known for its brightly colored blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Depending on the climate, it is grown either as a hardy perennial in warmer regions or as a vibrant annual in cooler zones. Successfully propagating new plants requires careful timing and technique when saving the seeds for later planting. This method allows you to grow future generations of this drought-tolerant plant.
Identifying Ripe Seeds and Timing the Harvest
The process of collecting viable lantana seeds begins with recognizing when the fruit is fully mature. Lantana flowers are followed by small, berry-like fruits that initially appear green and firm. These fruits must be left on the plant to fully ripen and develop before the seeds inside are ready for harvest.
As the season progresses, typically in late summer or early fall, the green berries transition to a deep, purplish-black color. This color change signals that the seed within has matured and the fruit pulp is breaking down. A ripe berry often appears slightly shriveled, indicating it has begun to dry out naturally on the stem.
It is important to harvest the berries when they have reached this dark, shriveled state to maximize the chances of collecting viable seeds. Collecting the fruit too early means the seeds inside will not have fully developed and are unlikely to germinate. Once the berries are dark, they can be gently removed from the plant.
Detailed Steps for Seed Extraction and Cleaning
Once the mature berries are collected, they must undergo a “wet processing” method to separate the seed from the fruit pulp. Lantana berries contain a fleshy pulp with natural germination inhibitors, which must be removed for successful sprouting. Each berry typically contains two small, hard nutlets, or seeds, which are the target of this extraction.
To begin cleaning, place the berries in a container and gently mash them to break open the fruit and release the seeds. Use the back of a spoon or a small piece of wood to press the berries without damaging the hard seeds inside. The goal is to separate the pulp from the nutlets, creating a slurry of fruit tissue and seed.
Next, cover the crushed mixture with lukewarm water and let it soak for a few hours to loosen the sticky pulp. The viable, heavier seeds will generally sink to the bottom, while the lighter, non-viable material and pulp will float. This difference in density allows for effective separation.
Carefully pour off the water, pulp, and any floating debris, ensuring the seeds settled at the bottom are not lost. Repeat the rinsing and decanting process several times, agitating the mixture gently until the water remains clear. The seeds should be mostly clean of residual fruit material, which removes the germination-inhibiting compounds.
Preparing Seeds for Long-Term Storage
After the wet cleaning process, the extracted lantana seeds are damp and must be thoroughly dried before storage. Proper drying is a mandatory step that prevents the growth of mold or mildew, which can ruin the seeds. Spread the cleaned seeds out in a single layer on a paper towel, a fine mesh screen, or a ceramic plate.
Place the seeds in a location that is cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight, since intense heat compromises viability. Allow the seeds to air-dry completely for three to seven days, depending on the humidity of your environment. Turn or stir the seeds once or twice daily to ensure all sides are exposed to the air. The seeds are ready for storage when they feel hard and brittle, with no trace of moisture.
For long-term preservation, seeds require a stable environment that is cool, dark, and consistently dry. Storing them in a refrigerator is ideal, as the low, consistent temperature slows the metabolic rate and prolongs viability. Place the dried seeds into a paper envelope or a breathable paper packet, which helps wick away residual moisture and prevents condensation.
Once sealed in the paper container, place the packet inside an airtight container, such as a glass jar or sealed plastic bag, before refrigerating. Clearly label the packet with the plant name and the date of collection. Stored under these conditions, lantana seeds can remain viable for up to two years.