Wild Hyacinth (Camassia scilloides)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Seed Collection Time:

Early to mid-summer — typically June through July, shortly after the flowering period ends.

Signs seeds are ready:

• Produces upright, oval seed capsules that follow the fading blue-violet flowers.

• Capsules turn tan or light brown and dry out as they ripen.

• Ripe capsules split open naturally, revealing shiny, black seeds.

• Seeds fall out easily when capsules are tapped or handled.

Seed collection steps:

1. Harvest seed stalks when the majority of capsules are dry and beginning to split.

2. Allow capsules to air dry in a paper bag or tray for several days.

3. Shake or crush capsules to release seeds.

4. Clean by winnowing or sieving to separate seeds from chaff.

Germination tip:

• Requires cold-moist stratification for 60–90 days.

• C(60–90): Refrigerate in moist medium or sow outdoors in fall.

• Germination can be slow; may take two spring seasons for full emergence.