Clivia is a beautiful flowering plant that produces vibrant orange, red, or yellow flowers. If you want to propagate Clivia, harvesting and storing its seeds is an essential step. Here is a detailed guide on how to harvest and store Clivia seeds:
Clivia seeds develop inside seed pods, which are green when immature. Allow the seed pods to ripen fully before harvesting the seeds. Ripe seed pods turn yellow or orange and become slightly soft to the touch.
Once the seed pods have ripened, gently twist or cut them off the plant. Place the seed pods in a container or paper bag to prevent any seeds from getting lost during the harvesting process.
To extract the seeds from the seed pods, gently squeeze or roll the pods between your fingers. This will cause the pods to split open, revealing the seeds inside. Be careful not to damage the seeds while extracting them.
After extracting the seeds, rinse them under running water to remove any remaining pulp or debris. Use a fine-mesh sieve or strainer to ensure that the seeds are thoroughly cleaned. Allow the seeds to dry completely before storing them.
Choose a suitable storage container for your Clivia seeds. Airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, work best to maintain seed viability. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the seeds.
To prevent moisture buildup and mold growth, add a desiccant to the storage container. Silica gel packets or powdered desiccants are commonly used to absorb excess moisture. Place the desiccant in a small pouch or container within the storage container, ensuring it does not come into direct contact with the seeds.
Place the cleaned and dried Clivia seeds into the prepared storage container. Seal the container tightly to create a moisture-free environment. Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a refrigerator or a cool basement. The ideal temperature for seed storage is around 40°F (4°C).
Periodically check the stored seeds for viability. To do this, remove a few seeds from the container and place them on a damp paper towel. Keep the paper towel moist and observe if the seeds germinate within a few weeks. If the majority of seeds germinate, they are still viable for planting.
It is crucial to label the storage container with the Clivia species or variety and the date of seed collection. This information will help you keep track of the seeds' age and ensure you use the oldest seeds first.
Clivia seeds have a limited viability period, usually around one to two years. To maintain a healthy seed stock, it is recommended to collect fresh seeds annually and discard any older seeds that have lost their viability.
By following these steps, you can successfully harvest and store Clivia seeds, ensuring a continuous supply of these beautiful plants for your garden or for sharing with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
