Sweet-Scented Bedstraw (Galium triflorum)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
(Moderately easy — seeds are small and clingy but plants produce a good amount when established)

Seed Collection Time:

Late summer through early fall — typically August to September, after the tiny flowers have faded.

Signs Seeds are Ready:

• After flowering, clusters of tiny, round seed burrs form at leaf nodes.

• Seeds turn from green to brown as they ripen.

• Mature seeds feel firm and detach easily, often sticking to fingers, clothing, or fur due to their hooked hairs.

• Seed heads become dry and brittle when fully ripe.

Seed Collection Steps:

1. Collect seed clusters by hand-stripping or clipping stems once seeds have turned brown.

2. Place collected material in a paper bag to continue drying for several days.

3. Rub dried clusters gently over a fine screen or between your hands to separate seeds from stems.

4. Remove excess chaff by winnowing or gently blowing across the seeds.

Germination Tips:

• Seeds benefit from cold-moist stratification for 60–90 days.

• Best results are achieved by fall sowing outdoors or artificial stratification before spring planting.

C(60–90): Refrigerate in moist sand or vermiculite, or sow directly outdoors in late fall for natural stratification.

• Sow seeds just beneath the soil surface — lightly covered, as they do not require light for germination.

• Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are established.