Hortensas, like many other plants, can be grown from seeds. However, this is difficult and rather unusual. Read in this article why this is so and how breeding from hydrangea seeds can be successful.
How to grow hydrangeas from seeds?
Hydrangeas can be grown from seeds, although this is unusual and difficult as many new varieties do not produce seeds. Successful cultivation requires patience, cool but frost-free winter conditions and regular ventilation. The cutting method is ideal for easier propagation.
Seed collection
If you want to get hydrangea seeds yourself, this is relatively difficult. The large flowers are sterile false flowers that do not produce seeds. The seeds themselves are very well hidden inside the plant. Many new varieties no longer produce seeds at all.
The sowing
The seed pods are tiny and have a diameter of about three millimeters. They contain the brown, spindle-shaped seeds. Depending on the type of hydrangea, the seeds have small wings at the ends or are smooth.
Sowing hydrangeas
Unlike in Germany, germinable hydrangea seeds are relatively often available abroad.
Proceed as follows when growing:
- Fill small pots with potting soil.
- Sprinkle hydrangea seeds and cover with a very thin layer of soil.
- Moisten with a sprayer (€27.00 on Amazon) so that the seeds are not washed away.
- To create a greenhouse climate, place a transparent plastic bag over it.
- Air regularly to prevent rot.
It can take a relatively long time for the small seeds to sprout. As soon as they have reached a height of around ten centimeters, the small hydrangeas are pricked out. The tiny plants are still very sensitive and should be cared for in a warm, protected place on the windowsill.
The first winter
The small hydrangeas also have to hibernate indoors for the first winter. Place the pots in a cool but frost-free place. The stairwell or a bright basement room is well suited. In the second year, you can carefully acclimatize the hydrangea plants grown from seeds outdoors.
Tips & Tricks
It is easier and more promising to propagate hydrangea through cuttings. These can be cut from any plant, root well and quickly grow into strong plants.
