Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus)

Seed Collection Time:

Late spring to early summer — typically June through July after flowering ends.

Signs seeds are ready:

• After flowering, the plant produces a dry, spiny-looking seed head made up of many small achenes (individual seed units).

• The seed head dries to a brown or straw color, and achenes become hard and dark brown.

• Ripe seeds will detach easily when rubbed or shaken gently.

Seed collection steps:

1. Use scissors or pruners to clip entire seed heads when they’re mostly brown and dry.

2. Place seed heads in a paper bag or tray and allow to air dry indoors for 1–2 weeks.

3. Rub or crush the seed heads gently to release the achenes.

4. Sift or screen to separate the seeds from the chaff.

Germination tip:

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

• C(60–90): Mix with moist sand or vermiculite and refrigerate, or sow outdoors in fall.