Hostas are popular perennials for shade gardens, prized for their wide array of leaf colors, shapes, and textures. While most gardeners propagate these plants by dividing mature clumps, hostas also produce seeds. Understanding the appearance and context of these seeds is the first step toward exploring this different form of propagation, which allows for the potential discovery of new varieties.
Physical Description of Hosta Seeds
A viable hosta seed is small. The actual seed kernel is a slightly swollen structure, typically dark brown to black in color when fully mature. This dark pigmentation indicates the seed is ripe and ready for collection.
The kernel is encased within a thin, papery wing or flange, giving the entire structure a flattened, irregular shape. This wing is an adaptation for wind dispersal, often resembling a small, twisted piece of paper. The overall size of the seed, including the wing, is usually between one-quarter to one-half inch long. Seeds that appear white or pale lack maturation and will not germinate, so they should be discarded.
Locating and Identifying the Seed Pods
Hosta seeds are contained within a capsule that develops after the plant’s flowering period, not in the foliage. The flowers, which typically bloom in midsummer, fade and are replaced by three-sided structures called seed pods. These pods are borne on the tall, leafless stalks known as scapes.
Initially, the seed capsules are firm and green. As the seeds inside mature, usually in late summer or early fall, the pods begin to dry out. They transition from green to a papery, light brown color and feel brittle to the touch. This change signals that the seeds are reaching maturity and are nearly ready for harvest.
Collecting and Storing Hosta Seeds
The capsules must be fully mature on the scape to ensure viability before harvesting. The best time to collect is when the pods are completely dry and have begun to split open at the seams, revealing the black seeds inside. Gardeners can cut the entire flower scape at the base and bring it indoors to finish drying.
The cut scapes should be laid out in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks until all the pods have opened completely. Once dry, the seeds are removed from the pods, and all husks or pale, infertile seeds should be removed. The cleaned, black seeds are then stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment, such as a paper envelope or small container kept in a refrigerator.
Understanding Seed Propagation vs. Division
Propagating hostas from seed differs from dividing the plant’s crown. Division is asexual reproduction, guaranteeing the new plant is an exact genetic clone of the parent, preserving the original cultivar’s specific color and pattern. In contrast, seed propagation is sexual reproduction, which introduces genetic variability.
The seeds produced through cross-pollination will not reliably grow “true to type,” meaning a variegated or blue-leafed parent may produce offspring with plain, solid green leaves. Because of this variability, seeds are less popular for general gardeners but are highly valued by hybridizers. Hybridizers grow hostas from seed, hoping to discover a unique seedling with new traits worthy of being named a new variety.