How to Grow Hydrangeas From Seed

Hydrangeas are perennial bushes that grow gigantic flower heads in a variety of shades, from white, pink and blue to everything in between. These lush, colorful plants make a wonderful addition to any garden. Growing hydrangeas from seed can be challenging, and the plants will take longer to produce blossoms. It is, however, more cost-effective, and you can plant many hydrangea bushes for pennies on the dollar. Follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Nutrient-rich soil
• Small planter
• Lime
• Hydrangea seeds
• Aluminum sulfate
• Mulch
• Small shovel
• Fertilizer

1. Buy hydrangea seeds from a nursery or home improvement store that carries gardening supplies. You can also retrieve seeds from the inside of the hydrangea's blossoms. The seeds are small and look like black dirt or dust.
2. Place moist, nutrient-rich soil in a planter. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the planter. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the dirt and do not mix them in. Plant the seeds in late summer, indoors, and keep them inside through the winter. Place them in a bright space but not in direct light. Keep the seeds moist and fertilize weekly with half-strength liquid fertilizer.
3. Plant the hydrangea starts outside in the spring. Pick a place that is in a mostly sunny area. Dig a hole two times the size of the root ball. Place the seedling in the hole and cover it with dirt. Add mulch to the top of the hole to fertilize and to help maintain moisture. Water immediately.
4. Fertilize with a multipurpose plant fertilizer after 6 weeks. Carefully follow the package directions.
5. Water the plants frequently, since hydrangeas are water-loving plants. If you notice that the plant looks wilted, water immediately, or you risk not having any blooms.
6. Prune hydrangeas in winter to very early spring. If pruned too late, the hydrangea may not bloom that year. If you are unsure as to proper pruning time, do nothing at all. Let the hydrangea bloom and then carefully prune it. Some hydrangeas will grow only in new stems, and others will bloom from old stems.
7. Change the acidity of the soil to change the color of hydrangeas. Acidic soils yield blue flowers. Alkaline soils give pink flowers, and neutral soils produce white blossoms. To reduce the acidity of soil, add lime. Add aluminum sulfate to increase the acidity.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat hydrangeas frequently with mild insecticides to keep them free from garden pests. Use fungicides to treat any mildew issues.

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