What to know
Petunias , with theirvibrant bloomsand extended blooming point , are abeloved additionto any garden . Preserving their looker for future seasons can be accomplish through harvest their seed . This detailed templet will walk you through the footstep of how toharvest petunia seeded player , ensure a successful and rewarding experience .
Selecting the Right Blooms
The first step in harvesting petunia seed is select the veracious blooms . take healthy , vigorous plantswith abundant flowers . Avoid plants that are diseased or blighter - overrun . Allow the flowers tofully maturebefore harvesting the seeds .
Identifying the Seed Pods
Once the flowers have faded , seed pods will commence to make . These pod are situate at the cornerstone of the flush and resemble small , green capsules . As thepods ripen , they willturn brownand juiceless .
Timing the Harvest
Theoptimal timetoharvest petunia seedsis when the pods arefully maturebut before they rive open . Gently squeeze the pod to check their firmness . If they are delicate and slightly elastic , they are ready to be harvested .
Harvesting the Seeds
Harvest the seeds by cautiously expose open theseed pods . employ your fingers or a distich of pair of tweezers togently extractthe tiny , dour brown or grim seed . site the seed in apaper envelopeor a small container for reposition .
Cleaning the Seeds
To take anyremaining plant life debrisor impurities , clean the semen bygently blowingon them or sifting them through a hunky-dory - mesh sieve . This will aid improve their viability and storage potential .
Drying the Seeds
Spread the seeds out on a newspaper towel or ashallow dishand allow them to dry out completely in a warm , juiceless position . Avoid give away the seeds todirect sunlight , as this can damage them .
Storing the Seeds
Store thedried seedsin a cool , ironical place . Ideal storage conditions are in asealed containeror gasbag at a temperature between 40 - 50 ° F ( 4 - 10 ° C ) . Under these conditions , petunia seedscan remain viable for several years .
FAQs
1 . How long does it take forpetunia seedsto ripen?Ittypically takesaround 6 - 8 weeks forpetunia seedsto ripen after the flowers have faded.2 . Can Isow petunia semen directlyin the garden?Yes , you cansow petunia seeds directlyin the garden in the spring or fall . However , pop out them indoors 6 - 8 calendar week before the lastfrost datewill give you onwards starton the season.3 . How deep should I set petunia seeds?Petunia ejaculate are very small and should be sown on the surface of the soil . Do not handle them with dirt , as they need light to germinate.4 . How long does it take forpetunia seedsto germinate?Petunia semen typically germinate within 7 - 14 days under optimum conditions.5 . How can I amend thegermination rateof petunia seeds?Soak the come inwarm waterfor 24 hour before sow to soften theseed coatand better germination.6 . What is theideal temperaturefor germinating petunia seeds?Theideal temperatureforgerminating genus Petunia seedsis between 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 24 ° C).7 . How do I care for petunia seedlings?Keep theseedlings moistbut not doughy . Provide them with mountain of sunshine orartificial light . Once the seedling have developed their first bent of true leaves , you could feed them with a balanced fertilizer.8 . When can I transplant petunia seedlings outdoors?Petunia seedlings can betransplanted outdoorsonce they have develop their 2d localise oftrue leavesand the weather has warmed up.9 . Can Isave seedsfrom loanblend petunias?Yes , you cansave seedsfrom hybrid petunias . However , theresulting plantsmay not be identical to the parent plants.10 . How often should Ideadhead petuniasto encourage seed production?Deadheading petunias on a regular basis will encourage them to bring on more flowers and , consequently , more seeds .