The long, thin stamens of the spider flower resemble spider legs and give the plant its name. If it feels comfortable in its location, then it will thrive on its own and will delight the viewer for many weeks with its exceptionally decorative flowers.
What are the spider flower seeds like and how long can they germinate?
Spider flower seeds are contained in elongated, dark pods and appear grayish-black when ripe. They are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal problems. The seeds are hardy and can remain viable for up to three years.
What do spider flower seeds look like?
The seeds of the spider flower grow in elongated pods. If these pods are light yellow, the seeds are still immature and whitish. They should ripen on the plant for as long as possible. However, if you have small children playing unsupervised in the garden, caution is advised as the spider flower is poisonous.
In the dark, slightly shriveled pods are the ripe grayish-black seeds. The seeds should be kept dry and cool until sowing. They can germinate for up to three years. In contrast to plants, they are even hardy.
Are the seeds poisonous?
The seeds of the spider flower are actually poisonous. They contain substances similar to alkaloids and plenty of mustard oil glycosides. Eating the seeds causes gastrointestinal problems. These can be improved by taking activated charcoal.
Sowing the spider flower
If you want to sow the spider flower directly outdoors, you should wait until there are no more night frosts and the temperature is permanently at around 18 -20 °C. You can start growing spider flowers indoors or in a heated greenhouse as early as the end of February.
As light germinators, the seeds are not covered with substrate or soil, at most they are sprinkled thinly. Consistent moisture and consistent heat are important prerequisites for the seeds to germinate well. If after about 14 - 20 days there are still no seedlings, you should check these conditions and improve them if necessary.
What you need to know in bullet points:
- Seeds are hardy
- viable for up to three years
- Spider flower including itself
- Seeds are poisonous
- Light germinator
Tip
The seeds of the spider flower are hardy. They will germinate next spring as soon as the temperature is consistently around 18 – 20 °C.