How to Collect Seeds From Clematis

Clematis flowers produce seeds for future planting.

Clematis, a woody perennial vine, produces spectacular flowers that contain one or more colors and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Large clematis specimens can grow to a height in excess of 11 feet, while smaller versions of the plant mature at less than 5 feet tall. The seeds of the plant become apparent when it stops producing flowers; this occurs in late autumn, around the time of the first frost of the year.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Small container
• Tight-fitting lid

1. Postpone harvesting clematis seeds until the seed pods begin to turn brown. This usually takes place a few days after the first frost.

2. Locate the seed pod, positioned directly in the center of the fading bloom. It will appear to have broken open into thin vertical splits. Look for flossy or shiny hairs that protrude through the pod opening. Each of these shiny hairs has a clematis seed attached to its end.

3. Inspect the seeds. Use tweezers to pluck a few hairy strands from the pod, and check the color of the attached seeds. Harvest the seeds from the plant when they turn brown in color.

4. Hold your container under the pod, and lightly grasp the seed pod between your thumb and index finger. Pull the pod head toward you using a slight twisting motion, and let the seeds fall into your container.

5. Secure the lid to the container. Store the seed container in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Collect clematis seeds on days with little wind.

• Avoid storing clematis seeds in direct sunlight.

References

• Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Clematis; Karen Russ, et al.; September 2007
• International Clematis Society; Collecting and Growing Clematis Seeds; Ken Woolfenden; May 2011
• "New England Wildflower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United States and Canada"; William Cullina; 2000
• "Gardening with Clematis: Design and Cultivation"; Linda Beutler; 2004