Downy Wood Mint (Blephilia ciliata)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆  

Seed Collection Time:

Mid to late summer — typically July through August, after flowering ends.

Signs seeds are ready:

• After blooming, the plant forms rounded, tiered flower heads that dry and turn brown or tan.

• Seeds (technically nutlets) are tiny, hard, dark brown, and located at the base of each dried floret.

• When mature, seeds fall out easily when heads are gently shaken or tapped.

Seed collection steps:

1. Clip dried flower heads when they are fully brown and crisp.

2. Place in a paper bag or tray to air dry for several days if not already dry.

3. Shake, tap, or rub the heads over a container to release seeds.

4. Clean seeds using a sieve or by winnowing to separate from chaff.

Germination tip:

• Benefits from cold-moist stratification for 30–60 days, though some fresh seeds may germinate without it.

• C(30–60): Refrigerate in moist medium or sow outdoors in fall.

• Seeds are tiny and require light — surface sow and press gently into the soil.