What do you do with calla lily seed pods?

So, You’ve Got Calla Lily Seed Pods… Now What?

Calla lilies! Aren’t they just stunning? Those elegant blooms really add a touch of class to any garden. But hey, what happens after the flowers fade? You’re left with these seed pods, and if you’re like most gardeners, you’re probably wondering what to do with them. Well, guess what? You can actually grow new calla lilies from those seeds! It takes a little patience, sure, but it’s a pretty cool way to expand your collection. Let’s dive into how it’s done.

Spotting and Snagging Those Seed Pods at the Right Time

After your calla lily’s flower bows out, you’ll notice a seed pod forming on that central spadix – you know, the finger-like thingy in the middle of the flower. These pods start out green, but keep an eye on them. You want them to turn yellow or tan before you even think about picking them. Trust me on this one; harvesting too early is a recipe for dud seeds.

When’s the Magic Moment?

• Color is Key: Yellow or tan is your target. If they’re still green, they’re just not ready for prime time.
• Timing Matters: Get them before Jack Frost comes nipping! We’re talking before the first hard frost of fall.
• Stem Check: The stem right under the pod should also be sporting some yellow or tan. Give the seed kernels inside a gentle squeeze – they should feel a little squishy.
• Gravity’s a Clue: As the pod ripens, it gets heavier, causing the stem to bend until the pod practically kisses the ground. Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Pick me!”

Harvesting How-To:

• Grab some sharp shears and snip those blossom stalks. Aim for a cut below where they join the seed pod.
• Pick a dry, sunny day for this operation. You want to keep those pods nice and dry throughout the whole process.

Pod Processing: Cracking the Code to Get to the Seeds

Alright, you’ve got your harvested pods. Now comes the fun part: getting those seeds out and ready for their close-up.

Extraction Time:

• Peel off the outer layer of the seed pods. This helps them dry evenly, which is what you want.
• Break those pods apart – gently! – to reveal the seeds inside. You’ll usually find one to five seeds per little kernel segment. Remove any outer coating. Seriously, each pod can hold a ton of seeds – we’re talking dozens, even over a hundred!
• Give each kernel a gentle squeeze to pop out those tiny, tuberous seeds.

Drying Out:

• Pop those seeds into a cardboard box or a paper bag to dry completely.
• Make sure they’re bone dry before you stash them away. Here’s a trick: try cutting one with a knife. If you can still slice through it, it needs more drying time.
• Alternatively, you can just toss the whole pod into a paper bag and let it hang out in a cool, dry spot until it turns a tan-brown color and dries out completely. Easy peasy!

Seed Storage: Keeping ‘Em Safe ‘Til Spring

Proper storage is like putting your seeds in a little time capsule, keeping them viable until you’re ready to plant.

• Find a cool, dry, and dark hideaway for your dried seeds. An envelope or a cardboard box works like a charm.
• Here’s a key point: calla lily seeds need a good three-month nap (dormancy period) before they’re ready to sprout.

Planting Power: From Seed to Stunning Bloom (Eventually!)

Okay, growing calla lilies from seed takes patience. I’m not gonna lie, it can be a few years before you see those gorgeous blooms. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right?

Germination Station:

• Indoor Start: Get a head start by starting seeds indoors in early February. The paper towel method is your friend here. Wrap the seeds in a damp paper towel, slip them into a baggie, and tape that baggie to a sunny window. Instant mini-greenhouse!
• Direct Sow: If you’re feeling bold, you can plant the seeds directly into the soil. Just don’t bury them too deep – a quarter-inch (1 cm) is plenty. Space them about half an inch apart.
• Pre-Soak Power: Give those seeds a little spa treatment by soaking them in warm water overnight before planting. It helps soften the seed coat and encourages germination.

Planting Specifics:

• Use a well-draining, soilless potting mix. This is important! You don’t want soggy seeds.
• Plant two seeds per pot. Just in case one decides to be a diva and not sprout.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, like a wrung-out sponge. Not soaking wet, not bone dry.
• Calla lilies like it warm and cozy. Aim for a temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
• Bright, indirect sunlight is their jam.

Post-Sprout TLC:

• Once your seedlings have a couple of real leaves, transplant them into their own 4-inch pots. They’re growing up so fast!
• Before moving them outdoors, give them a chance to acclimate to the outside world. This is called “hardening off.” Gradually expose them to longer periods of outdoor time over a week or two.
• Plant those little guys outside in late spring or early summer, once you’re absolutely sure there’s no more frost in the forecast.

A Few Words of Wisdom

• Patience, Grasshopper: Seriously, don’t expect blooms overnight. It can take up to three years to see flowers on calla lilies grown from seed.
• Toxic Tidbit: Every part of the calla lily is a no-no for snacking. They contain stuff that’s toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Think oral irritation, burning, and swelling. So, wear gloves when handling seeds and plants, and keep them away from kids and furry friends.
• Hybrid Hazard: If you’re using seeds from hybrid calla lilies, the resulting plants might not look exactly like their parents. It’s a bit of a genetic lottery!

Final Thoughts

Growing calla lilies from seed might take a little time and effort, but it’s a super rewarding experience. You get to witness the whole amazing life cycle of these gorgeous plants. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to adding even more beauty to your garden, one seed at a time! Happy gardening!