Growing an azalea bush from seed is time consuming, but worth it just for the achievement. It allows for more plant specimens that cost much less money because they are grown at home. Those gardeners that wish to have an entire hedge of azaleas will benefit from growing by seed. It should be noted that some hybrid azaleas might not bloom with the same color as the mother plant.
Collecting Seed
After flowers bloom and die back, seedpods appear on the branches of the azalea. First the pods are green, then turn yellow and finally they turn brown. Collect pods in late August to late October when they are brown. Try to get them before they split or they will drop their seeds. Remove the 100 or so seeds and store them in an envelope inside an airtight container like a Mason jar at 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Materials Needed
Only a few things are needed to propagate azalea by seed. Process sphagnum moss is shredded, soaked in water, dried and fluffed. It can be found in most garden centers. Find a plastic tub that is about 3 inches deep with a clear lid. Also needed is a spray bottle with water.
Preparation
Poke holes in the bottom of the tub for excess water to drain. Wash the container and lid with a solution of 1-cup bleach to 9 cups water. Rinse off and let dry. This sterilizes the container so it will not pass on any disease to the plants.
Planting Seeds
Fill the container with sphagnum, leaving a 1 inch head space between the moss and the lid when on the container. Scatter the seeds evenly over the sphagnum and mist with water in the spray bottle. Place the lid on top and place the whole tub in a warm area at 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in indirect light or under grow lights. Place a layer of plastic wrap and paper or cloth towels under the container to catch any draining water. Water beads should gather on the lid. If it dries out open and spray with more water. Germination will occur in two to four weeks.
Planting in Pots
Once seedlings get their first sets of leaves in 8 to 10 weeks, transplant them in individual containers filled with potting soil. Keep them watered and in the light until they can be planted outdoors when weather is warm.
Preparation to Outdoor Planting
Take pots outside in a shady area and leave them out during the day taking them in at night for a week or two. This hardens off the plants so they will not be shocked when planted in the ground. The next week leave them out at night, weather permitting. Place pots in the garden where they will be planted for another few days then plant them in the ground. They may or may not flower the first year.
Deborah Harding - Deborah Harding has developed recipes, worked with herbs and written home school curriculum for over 20 years.
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