Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia)

Seed Collection Time:

Late spring to early summer — typically June through early July, depending on your region.

Signs seeds are ready:

• After blooming, the plant forms upright, cylindrical seed capsules that resemble narrow tubes.

• Capsules turn tan or brown and begin to split at the top, revealing tiny seeds inside.

• Mature seeds are very small, round, and brown — almost dust-like.

• If the capsule rattles when shaken, it is ready to harvest.

 Seed collection steps:

1. Snip seed capsules when they are dry and starting to split, but before all seeds fall out.

2. Place in a paper bag or tray and let them air dry for several days.

3. Shake or gently crush the capsules to release the seeds.

4. Clean seeds by sifting with a fine screen or gently blowing off chaff.

Germination tip:

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

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

• Seeds are very small and should be surface sown (not buried) and misted gently during germination.