Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
(Easy to grow and collect — just watch the narrow seed window)

Seed Collection Time:

Late June through July — after late spring bloom (April–May).

Signs seeds are ready:

• Seed capsules turn from green to tan or light brown and begin to split.

• Seeds inside are small, black, and firm when mature.

• Capsules feel dry and brittle when ready for harvest.

Seed collection steps:

• Collect seed clusters when most capsules have dried but before they fully shatter.

• Place in a paper bag to finish drying for 1–2 weeks.

• Gently crush capsules to release seeds and remove chaff with a screen.

Germination tips:

• Requires cold-moist stratification (30–60 days) for reliable germination.

• Best sown outdoors in fall for natural stratification or refrigerated before spring planting.

• Germination typically occurs in 3–6 weeks after stratification in warm, moist conditions.