If they are not prevented from doing so by cutting off the inflorescences, lilies of the valley form red berries, each of which contains up to five seeds. The seeds are usually spread by birds. You can also simply scatter the berries to grow new lilies of the valley.
What do lily of the valley seeds look like and how do you sow them?
Lily of the valley seeds are yellowish to light brown, small (about 3 to 4 mm long) and located in red berries. Lily of the valley seeds must be stratified (artificial cold treatment) or grown outdoors in autumn to overcome germination inhibition.
This is what lily of the valley seeds look like
- One to five seeds per berry
- yellow to light brown color
- approx. 3 to 4 millimeters length
- spherical pear shape
- slightly angular
The seeds of the lily of the valley have a germination inhibition that must be overcome by a cold phase. Lily of the valley is therefore sown outdoors in autumn.
If you want to grow lily of the valley in a pot, put the seeds in the fridge for a few weeks to stratify them.
When are the seeds ripe?
The seeds are ripe when the berries have turned a bright red color. This is usually the case from August onwards.
Attention: The berries are very poisonous and should under no circumstances be eaten by children or pets.
Propagate lily of the valley via seeds or root division?
You can propagate lily of the valley from seeds. However, it is easier if you dig up the rhizomes, i.e. the roots, and divide them.
Sown lilies of the valley take a very long time until they have formed sufficiently thick tubers. Years can pass before the first flowering.
Preventing the spread of lily of the valley
Unfortunately, the pretty spring flower with its intense scent can also become a pest. It spreads rapidly via seeds and underground rhizomes and can be found throughout the garden. Once the flower has settled in, it is difficult to remove from the garden.
To prevent the lily of the valley from spreading in a controlled manner, cut off spent inflorescences immediately so that no berries and therefore no seeds develop.
The spread via rhizomes can be prevented if you create a rhizome barrier (€78.00 at Amazon) before planting. If you grow lilies of the valley in a pot or bucket, the flowers cannot spread.
Tip
Lily of the valley flowers do not produce nectar, but rather a sap-rich tissue. Pollination usually takes place via bees. But the spring flower can also develop berries with seeds through self-fertilization.