Daylilies, scientifically known as Hemerocallis, are popular, resilient perennial flowers that grace gardens with a succession of blooms. While gardeners most often propagate these plants by dividing their fleshy roots, daylilies also naturally produce seeds after successful pollination. These seeds can be used to grow new, unique plants, a process especially favored by hybridizers looking for new color and form combinations. To use daylily seeds for propagation, it is first necessary to understand what they look like and where they are found.
Identifying the Daylily Seed Capsule
The seeds of the daylily are contained within a structure called the seed capsule, which forms on the scape—the flower stalk—after the bloom has faded. This capsule is the mature ovary of the flower, and its development indicates that fertilization has occurred. The capsule is typically an oblong structure, often possessing three distinct lobes or chambers where the seeds mature.
When the capsule first forms, it is usually a pale green and has a swollen, ovate shape. It remains on the plant for approximately six to eight weeks as the seeds ripen inside. During this time, the capsule grows and hardens, sometimes reaching one to two inches in diameter.
The capsule signals its readiness for harvest by changing color, typically drying out and turning brown or beige. A mature capsule will also begin to split open at the seams between the lobes, revealing the seeds nestled inside. Harvesting is best done once the capsule begins to crack, as waiting too long risks the seeds dropping to the ground.
Physical Characteristics of Daylily Seeds
Once the capsule is opened, the daylily seeds are easy to identify by their distinctive appearance. The seeds themselves are small and dark, generally ranging from a deep black to a very dark brown color. They possess a notable glossy sheen, which makes them stand out against the dry, dull interior of the mature capsule.
The shape of an individual daylily seed is often irregular and angular rather than perfectly round. This is a result of the seeds being tightly packed together within the three chambers of the capsule as they develop. When freshly harvested and dry, the seeds may have a hard, slightly wrinkled texture.
The size of the seeds is relatively uniform across different varieties, usually measuring between one-eighth and one-quarter inch across. The seeds will plump up slightly when they are pre-soaked in water before planting, a process that prepares them for germination.
Steps for Planting Daylily Seeds
Successfully planting daylily seeds requires preparation to overcome their natural dormancy, which prevents germination at the wrong time of year. This dormancy is broken by a process called cold stratification, which mimics the moist, cool conditions of winter. The seeds must be exposed to temperatures between 32°F and 40°F for a period of four to eight weeks to initiate the germination process.
A common method for stratification involves placing the seeds in a sealed plastic bag with a moist medium, such as damp vermiculite or a lightly moistened paper towel. The bag is then stored in a refrigerator for the required duration to provide the necessary chill. This ensures the seeds receive the cold, moist conditions they require without freezing.
Following stratification, the seeds can be sown indoors in containers filled with a standard potting mix. Plant the seeds just beneath the soil surface, covering them lightly with the medium. After planting, the seeds should be kept at normal room temperature, typically around 70°F, as they do not require supplemental heat. Germination usually occurs within a few weeks once the chilling period is complete.