Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)

Seed Collection Time:

Late spring to early summer — typically May through June.

Signs seeds are ready:

• After flowering, the plant produces fuzzy, elongated seed pods that resemble hairy green capsules.

• As they mature, pods turn yellowish or brown and begin to split open at the top.

• Inside are shiny, dark seeds with a fleshy elaiosome (a food body that attracts ants for dispersal).

Seeds are quickly dispersed by ants (myrmecochory), so frequent monitoring is essential.

Seed collection steps:

1. Watch pods closely and collect just before they split — when they begin to yellow.

2. Place pods in a paper bag or tray to finish drying indoors.

3. Once dry, pods will open naturally, releasing the seeds.

4. Separate seeds from pod debris and store in a cool, dry place.

Germination tip:

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

• C(60–90): Mix seeds with moist sand or sow in fall for natural dormancy-breaking.

• Seeds lose viability quickly, so plant fresh or stratify soon after harvest.