Harvesting and Growing Lily Seeds from Cut Flower Stems

Nothing beats the stunning beauty and sweet fragrance of lilies in full bloom These elegant flowers are always a welcome addition to gardens as well as fresh flower arrangements. But did you know you can collect and grow lily seeds from the spent blooms of cut lily stems? With a little know-how, those discarded floral stems can yield bountiful seeds for propagating new plants

In this article we’ll explore harvesting and growing lily seeds from cut flower stems. Follow these tips and you’ll soon have loads of lush lily seedlings ready for transplanting right from your floral bouquet!

An Overview of Collecting Seeds from Cut Lily Stems

Many cut flowers like lilies continue their life cycles even after being cut and placed in vases. As the flowers fade seed pods begin swelling as the seeds inside mature. Before the pods split open and scatter the seeds, you have a prime opportunity to harvest them.

Here are the basics of gathering lily seeds from cut stems:

• Watch for seed pods to form after blooms finish. Pods will be green and plump.

• Collect the ripe seed pods when they turn yellowish and bumpy.

• Carefully split pods and extract the flat, winged seeds inside.

• Save seeds in an envelope or jar to plant immediately or store.

• Sow seeds in trays and provide warm, moist conditions for germination.

With ideal care, those rescued lily seeds will grow into bulbs that flower in 2-3 years. It’s a simple, rewarding way to make the most of cut lilies!

Step-by-Step Guide to Harvesting Lily Seeds from Cut Stems

Follow these step-by-step instructions for successfully collecting seeds from cut lily flowers:

Choose the Right Lily Variety

Ensure the lilies you select produce viable seeds. Trumpet, oriental, and LA hybrid lily types are excellent seed producers. Verify the specific variety is not sterile or genetically modified before harvesting seeds.

Identify Mature Seed Pods

Allow cut lily stems to remain in water 2-4 weeks after the flowers finish blooming. Watch below the spent blooms for green, rounded seed pods to form and slowly enlarge.

Monitor for Ripe Pods

Mature lily seed pods will turn yellowish or brown and develop a bumpy, cracked appearance when fully ripe. The pods may split open soon after, so daily monitoring lets you catch them at peak ripeness.

Remove Pods Gently

Use pruners or scissors to carefully snip off the mature seed pods. Try not to crush or damage the pods during removal. Gently place pods into labeled envelopes or paper bags.

Split Pods and Extract Seeds

Working over a sheet of white paper, use your fingers to gently pry pods open. Spill out the flat, winged seeds onto the paper. It’s normal for some seeds to stick inside; carefully scrape out remnants.

Dry and Store Lily Seeds

Spread seeds out on the paper and allow to fully dry for about a week. Place dried seeds in envelopes or jars labeled with the lily variety and date. Store in the refrigerator until ready to plant.

With attentive harvesting, those fading cut lily blooms can yield abundant seeds for raising new plants!

Optimal Conditions for Growing Lily Seeds

Lily seeds require very specific conditions to successfully sprout and grow into bulbs. Here are their key preferences:

• Soil: Rich, humus-heavy potting mix with excellent drainage. Maintain mild acidity around 6.0-6.5 pH.

• Light: Bright, filtered light is essential. Avoid intense direct sunlight.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Allow pots to partially dry out between waterings.

• Temperature: Ideal germination temperatures are 60-70°F (15-21°C). Maintain warm soil after sprouting for vigorous growth.

• Fertilizer: While sprouting, use only half strength balanced fertilizer. Increase to full strength once seedlings establish.

Observing these optimal conditions will ensure your harvested lily seeds flourish into sturdy bulbs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Lilies from Seeds

Here is a step-by-step guide to planting and raising lilies from the seeds you’ve harvested:

Sow Seeds in Trays

Fill starter trays with moist, well-draining seed starting mix. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell, 1⁄4 inch deep. Gently water after planting to settle soil without washing out seeds.

Provide Warmth

Set trays on heat mats or above heating pads set to 65-70°F (18-21°C). Bottom heat is vital for robust germination. Cover trays with plastic domes to retain moisture.

Germinate in Low Light

Keep seeds in low light as they germinate over 14-30 days. Once sprouted, move to brighter filtered light. Turn seedlings frequently to prevent leggy growth.

Thin Seedlings

Clip off weaker seedlings with scissors once 2 sets of true leaves appear. Leave only the strongest seedling per cell to grow on. Handle emerging plants very gently.

Transplant into Individual Pots

Carefully transfer lily seedlings into 3-4 inch pots filled with rich potting mix once they outgrow cells. Bury stems just below soil level; give adequate space between plants.

Grow On in Cool Conditions

Move pots to a cool spot with filtered light around 60°F (15°C) to simulate overwintering. Allow 1-2 years for small bulbs to form and generate foliage. Cease watering once leaves die back.

Transplant Bulbs Outdoors

After 2 years of growth into bulb form, transplant dormant lily bulbs into garden beds in fall. Site in partial shade; mulch heavily for cold protection.

With attentive care and perfect conditions, those rescued lily seeds will reward you with elegant blooms in just a few years!

Common Problems When Growing Lilies from Seeds

Even if care protocols are followed precisely, issues can still pop up when raising lily seeds. Watch for these potential problems:

• Seeds fail to sprout: Ensure seeds are fresh and soil temperatures are sufficiently warm. Scarify very hard outer coatings prior to planting.

• Leggy, weak growth: Give more sunlight immediately after germination. Turn seedlings frequently to prevent leaning toward light.

• Yellowing leaves: Usually signals overwatering. Allow soil to partially dry out more between waterings. Improve drainage if needed.

• Bulbs don’t form: Seedlings grown too warm or without overwintering period will only form foliage, not bulbs. Move pots to cool location for bulb development.

• Bulbs rot in pots: Drainage issue from too much moisture retention. Repot in a very porous container mix. Allow soil to moderately dry out.

With attentive care and troubleshooting, home gardeners can beat the odds and successfully grow lily seeds into flowering bulbs. Just be prepared for a multi-year labor of love!

Tips for Collecting Seeds from Other Cut Flowers

Many popular cut flowers set abundant seeds that can be harvested and grown into new plants. Follow these tips:

Sunflowers

Allow cut blooms to fade completely on the stalk. Heads will droop and the back will turn brown when seeds are ripe. Cut entire heads and dry upside down in bags. Rub heads to extract seeds.

Marigolds

Pick dried flower heads when petals fall off naturally. Rub the heads between your hands over a bowl to remove seeds. Spread seeds on paper towels to fully dry before storage.

Zinnias

Harvest dry zinnia heads when flower petals detach easily. Further dry on trays or paper bags. To remove seeds, simply rub the dried flowers gently.

Dahlias

Wait for tubers to re-sprout after flowering ends. When new growth emerges in spring, detach and dry the small tubers attached to old stems. These mini-tubers can be replanted.

Lavender

Watch for flower heads to fade completely after bloom. Clip them off into paper bags. Rub heads firmly between hands over a bowl to extract tiny seeds. Allow to fully dry before planting or storing.

Many fading cut flowers can yield a bountiful seed harvest with the right harvesting techniques. Get propagating!

Enjoying the Rewards of Growing Lilies from Seeds

Raising lilies from the seed of floral bouquets takes time and dedication. But the payoff is years of enjoyment watching those rescued seeds flourish into elegant, fragrant blooms.

There’s immense satisfaction in nurturing delicate seeds into bulbs and ultimately gorgeous flowers. You’ll gain the skills of a patient gardener able to grow plants from start to finish.

Each lily bulb that bursts into bloom will stand as a reminder of the beauty hidden within a faded blossom. That simple floral gift can become a legacy flowering for years in your garden.

So before you discard the spent stems of gifted lilies, take a moment to check for plump seed pods. You never know what abundant new life may be waiting within!