Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron strigosus)

Seed Collection Time:

Late summer to early fall — typically August through October, depending on bloom time and region.

Signs seeds are ready:

• After flowering, the plant forms small, fluffy seed heads (similar to tiny dandelions).

• As the heads mature, they become white and puffy, and seeds begin to detach easily with wind or touch.

• Seeds are tiny, brown to tan, each attached to a tuft of fine hairs (pappus) for wind dispersal.

Seed collection steps:

1. Collect seed heads when they are fully fluffy and dry, but before they blow away.

2. Clip heads into a paper bag or tray and allow to dry for several days indoors.

3. Gently rub or shake the seed heads to release seeds.

4. Separate seeds from fluff using a fine sieve or by gentle winnowing.

Germination tip:

• Benefits from cold-moist stratification for 30–60 days but may germinate without it.

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

• Seeds require light to germinate, so surface sow and press gently into soil without covering.