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Lilac bushes (Syringa vulgaris) are low-maintenance shrubs prized for their fragrant purple, pink, or white blossoms. These shrubs or small trees thrive in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, depending on the variety. Read on for information about how to harvest lilac seeds and lilac seed propagation.
As a gardener, I’m always intrigued by the mysteries of seeds Their diminutive size belies the magic within This is especially true of lilac seeds, which are as elusive as they are captivating. Lilacs readily spread through suckering roots but collecting seeds can be downright tricky. However, with the right techniques, these little brown gems can be coaxed into germination.
In this article I’ll walk through exactly what lilac seeds look like, how to identify them, optimal harvesting times collection methods, and storage for successful germination. Read on for an insider’s guide to demystifying the nuances of lilac seeds!
Lilac Seed Basics: Anatomy, Appearance and Production
Before diving into seed specifics let’s cover some lilac seed essentials
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Lilac seeds form inside pods that arise from each pollinated flower.
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Most pods contain just 1-4 seeds, with 2 seeds being average.
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Only well-established mature lilac bushes produce abundant seed pods.
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Seed viability is low, with germination rates around 20-30% even for fresh seeds.
Now onto seed particulars! Here are the key details for identifying lilac seeds:
Size and Shape
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Tiny, measuring just 0.5 – 0.75 cm long
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Narrow, papery and flattened
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Pointed oval shape with lengthwise ridges
Color
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Maturity indicated by transition from green to brown
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Mature seeds are medium to dark brown
Surface Texture
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Matte finish when totally dry
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No glossy coat like some seeds
With these basics down, you’ll be able to spot lilac seeds with confidence. Next let’s explore optimal timing and techniques for collecting them.
Harvesting Lilac Seeds: Timing and Collection Tips
Picking the perfect moment to harvest lilac seeds takes patience and vigilance. Here are some tips:
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Monitor pods starting in midsummer as blooms fade.
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Wait for pods to turn brown and crack open when seeds are ripe.
-Aim to catch them as the pods first start splitting to avoid losses.
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Use secateurs to snip off whole pods or branches into a bag.
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Pinch pods open carefully to extract seeds if already splitting.
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Don’t harvest pods still tinged green as seeds won’t be mature.
Once you’ve gathered lilac seeds, promptly clean and dry them to prevent mold before storage.
Storing Lilac Seeds: Drying, Packaging and Storage
Improper storage can doom your harvested lilac seeds, so follow these tips:
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Spread seeds in a single layer on paper for 1-2 weeks until thoroughly dry.
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Place dried seeds in breathable paper envelopes or bags, not plastic.
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Store lilac seeds in a cool, dark, dry spot around 40°F (4°C).
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Refrigeration can extend viability for several years if seeds stay dry.
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Adding silica packs absorbs excess moisture to prevent mold.
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Avoid freezing, humidity or frequent temperature fluctuations.
With this know-how for identifying, collecting and storing, you’ll be ready to sow these captivating little lilac seeds!
From Mystifying to Demystifying: Key Takeaways
Lilac seeds represent one of nature’s small wonders that can easily be overlooked. Once demystified though, their secrets reveal delightful potential. Here are the key points:
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Lilac seeds are tiny, flat and brown when ripe. Look for opening pods in summer.
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Use care in harvesting fully brown, mature seeds before pods burst.
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Dry seeds thoroughly before storage to prevent molding. Refrigeration extends viability.
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Patience is required as germination rates are naturally low. Cold stratification aids the process.
Understanding the nuances of lilac seed propagation unlocks new possibilities. Now go forth and grow more lovely, fragrant lilacs from these elusive little seeds!
Do Lilac Bushes Have Berries?
If you ask, “Do lilac bushes have berries?” the answer is no. Lilac bushes do not produce berries. However, they do produce seeds.
Lilacs produce seeds in seed heads. Lilac bushes can be propagated from those seeds. The seed heads form after the flowers finish blooming. They are brown, large, and not very ornamental. You will not get seed heads the first year you plant your lilacs, nor, probably, the second. The lilac bushes do not bloom immediately after they are established. It usually takes at least three years before you get blooms on your lilacs. As soon as your lilac bush blooms, it will start making lilac seed pods, which will then produce lilac seeds. For those who want to grow these bushes from lilac seeds, you will need to wait until the bush makes seed pods.
How to Harvest Lilac Seeds
If you want to grow additional lilac plants, collecting and storing seeds is an efficient and inexpensive alternative. First, you have to learn how to harvest lilac seeds. If you want to plant seeds, your best bet is to handpick seeds from the best lilac blooms. Selecting lilac seed pods from the most attractive flowers ensures healthier and more beautiful plants. Lilac bushes generally bloom in springtime for several weeks. Once the flowers are wilted, the lilacs produce clusters of brown, nut-like fruit. This fruit also dries in time and splits open to reveal the lilac seed pods within. The basic procedure for how to harvest lilac seeds is simple. You pull seeds from the dried lilac seed pods after the flower blooms have dried on the bush. You can store the seeds until you are ready to plant them.
While lilac seeds grow quickly, you should make sure your lilac is not a hybrid before relying too much on them. Plants grown from hybrid seeds rarely grow true to the parent plant. Since most lilacs are hybrids, lilac seed propagation can often be disappointing. If this is the case, perhaps growing lilac cuttings would prove more effective.
Lilac seeds
FAQ
Should lilac seed pods be removed?
How long does it take for lilac seeds to germinate?
How do I know if I have a lilac tree or a lilac bush?
What are lilac seed pods?
The seed pods are small, brown capsules that develop after the flowers have been pollinated. They contain the seeds that will eventually grow into new lilac plants. To collect the seeds, start by finding a mature lilac plant with seed pods. Gently remove a seed pod from the plant, being careful not to damage it.
What do lilac seeds look like?
Lilac seed pods are green when immature, and then gradually turn brown at maturity. When the pods reach maturity, they begin to open up at the top, slowly separating in half to reveal the seeds inside. Each open pod reminds me of a tiny little packman, because they look like little creatures with open mouths.
How do lilac flowers grow?
Lilac flowers are actually clusters of smaller blossoms growing together within the cluster. When the smaller individual blossoms are pollinated, they will begin to form seed pods. When the flowers are spent, and you go looking for seed pods, you will find the seed pods growing on the spent flower clusters.
When do lilac seeds come out?
If you have ever looked closely at a lilac bush after blooming, you may have discovered the lilac seed pods or seed capsules forming, where the flower once bloomed. These pods will contain lilac seeds, and should be left to mature on the plant until they are brown and dry. The seed pods can usually be harvested in late summer or early fall.