How Do I Grow Clematis from Seed?

Clematis is a vine featuring large pink or purple flowers. When growing clematis from seed, it is important to harvest and store the seeds in the proper manner first. The seeds should be placed outdoors at precisely the right time, and their location can also determine the plant's success. Once the plant begins to sprout, it is ready to be placed in a container. It may take some time for a clematis vine to sprout, and this is not usually a cause for concern.

For best results, the seeds of a clematis vine should be harvested from an existing, healthy plant in the fall, just before the blooms drop off the vine. Once they are removed, the specimens should be pulled gently apart and then added to a seed starting mix. Some sand can be sprinkled on top of this mixture and then the entire compound should be placed in a zippered storage bag. This bag must be kept in a cool and dark place until you are ready to grow clematis from seed in the spring.

Once the danger of frost is over, you can remove the zippered bag of clematis seed from the storage area. Place it in a warm location that is mostly sunny yet not in direct sunlight. Leaving the mixture intact is acceptable, but you may want to grow clematis from seed by placing it in a small plastic potting container such as those used to hold flowers in at a nursery. This can make it easier to water the seedling as well as to transplant the vine once it begins to sprout.

When growing clematis from seed, it is important to keep an eye on your seed and soil compound. When the clematis vine begins to bud, it is then ready to be placed in a container. You should choose one that is around 6 inches (15.24 cm) in diameter and around 2 or 3 inches (5.08 to 7.24 cm) deep. Fill the container approximately 3/4 full of soil and then add the sprouted vine to the pot. It is important to make sure the top of the vine sticks out of the soil so it can receive the proper amount of sunlight needed for healthy growth.

Growing clematis from seed often takes several months, as this plant normally takes a long time to begin growing. If it appears your seeds are not progressing, you should remember that this is normal and not become discouraged. Once the plant actually sprouts, it may grow quickly, so your patience can be rewarded with a beautiful flowering vine shortly thereafter.