How to Propagate Daylilies From Seeds

Daylilies are perennial plants that grow in a variety of colors. Requiring minimal care, they flower from the late spring to fall. The blooms typically last only one day, but they create a colorful setting in gardens and landscapes. You can propagate the seeds from existing daylilies to grow new ones. Once you gather the seeds, put them through a stratification process before sowing them into the ground.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

• Paper towels
• Envelopes or airtight containers
• Zipper-sealed bag
• Seed-starting containers
• Potting mix
• Plastic wrap

1. Wait for the daylily to finish its blooming cycle. After the blooms are spent, you will notice a green seedpod at the base of the bloom. Allow the seed pot to turn brown and crack open before you collect the seeds.
2. Collect the seeds from the pod. Look for seeds that appear black instead of white or brown. Place the seeds on a paper towel and allow them to dry.
3. Store the daylily seeds in envelopes or airtight containers. Place the envelopes or containers in a cool, dry environment.
4. Soak the seeds one month before you plant them. Arrange the seeds on a wet paper towel inside a zipper-sealed bag. Place the seeds in the refrigerator to germinate them, and remove them once they sprout.
5. Fill seed-starting containers with a potting mix. Make 1/2-inch holes in the potting mix, place three to four seeds in each hole and cover them with soil. Water the seeds to keep the soil moist, and place plastic wrap over the containers to help retain moisture.
6. Place the seeds in a warm and sunny area with a temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant the daylilies outside after the threat of frost passes.
7. Water the daylilies with an inch of water three times a week. Add a balanced fertilizer during the spring.