Need a Seed Expert

[Virgo10]

I would love to try and grow some additional Bee Balm bushes. The flowers have produced, what I believe to be, super tiny seeds. I haven't got the faintest idea of how to go about taking care of these seeds.

Do we have any experts in growing things from seeds here? I'll be greatful for any help you can give me.

Roberta

 

[marydmjj]

Roberta: I harvest seeds from my flowers when they have pretty much dried on the plant. I just store them in an envelope in a drawer in the garage until I'm ready to start them. They should be stored in cool dry place. The sooner you use them, the higher the germination rate. If the seeds aren't in a seed pod then I cut the flower off and shake the seeds into a bowl. I love growing flowers from seed. I'm getting better at it each year.

 

[Virgo10]

Originally posted by marydmjj
The sooner you use them, the higher the germination rate.

Another question. Around here in MA I would be hesitant to plant anything this time of the year. The Bee Balm bush comes up in early spring. If I planted anything now and even got it far enough along to put outside, I'm afraid the winter months would kill it off. I'm not sure if I could keep it going until next spring here in the house.

How long can you store seeds and still use them. I'd like to start them in January or February. By the time May of next year came around they would hopefully be big enough to plant outside and take.

Roberta

 

[marydmjj]

I planted sunflower seeds this year from '99 and they grew fine. As long as you store them in a cool dry place they will last a while. Instead of say 95% germination you may only get 80%. They will definitely store until you start them in January/February.