Rhomboid Mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
(Relatively easy — produces abundant seed, though the small capsules require careful timing to collect before they disperse.)

Seed Collection Time:

Late summer to early fall — typically August through October, depending on location.

Signs Seeds are Ready:

• Tiny green flowers develop into small, three-lobed seed capsules.

• As the capsules mature, they change from green to tan or light brown.

• Mature capsules dry and may suddenly split open, ejecting the seeds several feet from the plant.

• Seeds are small, smooth, and brown to dark brown.

Seed Collection Steps:

• Check plants frequently once capsules begin turning tan.

• Harvest stems with nearly mature capsules before they split, or place a paper bag over the seed heads to catch seeds as they are released.

• Allow stems to dry indoors in a paper bag for several days.

• Gently shake the bag to release the seeds.

• Remove chaff and store the cleaned seeds in a cool, dry location until planting.

Germination Tips:

Generally germinates readily with little treatment, though a short cold period can improve uniformity.

C(30): Optional 30-day cold-moist stratification may improve germination, but many fresh seeds germinate well without it.

Sow seeds on the soil surface or cover with no more than 1/8 inch (3 mm) of soil, as they germinate best with shallow planting. Keep the growing medium consistently moist until seedlings emerge.