When Do You Plant Hydrangea Seeds?

Some hydrangea species are best propagated by seed.

The flowering shrub known as hydrangea produces flower clusters that range in color from white to pink to purple. Depending on the species, hydrangeas thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 9. Hydrangeas usually are propagated by cutting or layering, but experienced gardeners can collect and plant hydrangea seeds.

Features

The genus name Hydrangea derives from the Greek words for "water and vessel," and refers to the jar-like shape of the seed pod. The pods, which split open on the fall, contain the fine, brown seeds.

Time Frame

Collect the seeds in the fall. Place a bag over a dried flower and shake the seeds into the bag. Refrigerate the seeds during the winter, and sow them in the spring by scattering them onto the soil surface.

Types

Some hydrangeas should be propagated by seed, while others should be propagated by cuttings or division, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala), oak leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculatum) all can be propagated by seed.

References

• Mississippi State University Extension: Hydrangeas for Mississippi Gardens
• Ohio State University Extension: Hydrangeas in the Landscape
• Cobb County Extension Service: Hydrangea Macrophylla