Harvesting Seeds From Hens And Chicks: A Guide

Hens and chicks, or Sempervivum tectorum, are a type of succulent perennial with excellent cold hardiness and drought tolerance. These plants are typically grown for their foliage and unique growth pattern, and flowering is often a sign of poor conditions. However, if you want to experiment with seed propagation, you can collect seeds from the flowers of a mature plant. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to collect seeds from hens and chicks flowers and propagate new plants.

When to collect seeds from hens and chicks flowers

The best time to collect seeds from hens and chicks flowers is after the flowers have faded. The seeds will be left behind in pods. You can then sprinkle them on top of pots filled with cactus/succulent potting mix.

Hens and chicks plants are monocarpic, meaning they flower, seed, and then die. The plant's life cycle begins with the mother rosette (or "hen"), which multiplies freely by runners that spread in all directions to form offsets (or "chicks"). The hen will die back after producing flowers and setting seeds, and the chicks that have rooted will become new plants.

Hens and chicks plants typically flower in the summer, after the mature centre of the plant begins to grow tall and elongate. The plants usually take at least a couple of years to reach maturity and flower. However, stressed plants may bloom earlier. If you want to encourage flowering, you can deliberately stress the plant by shading it.

If you are starting seed propagation indoors, it is recommended to begin 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Place the pot of sowed seeds into a clear plastic bag and refrigerate for 2 weeks.

How to identify seed pods

Hens and chicks plants are succulents known for their rosette shape and "chicks," or offsets. These plants are usually propagated by digging up the offsets, but they can also be grown from seeds.

The seeds come from the pods left behind after the flowers fade and the plant dies. To identify seed pods, look for the following signs:

• The plant has sent up a long stalk that produces small flowers.
• The flowers have faded or dried out, signalling the end of the plant's life.
• The stalk and base rosette have dried out and died.
• There are pods left behind by the faded flowers, which contain the seeds.

Once you've identified the seed pods, you can collect the seeds and sprinkle them on top of pots filled with cactus or succulent potting mix.

How to store seeds

Once you have collected the seeds from the pods left behind after the flowers of your hens and chicks plant have faded, you can store them in a paper bag. Place the bag in a warm, dry place and shake it occasionally. The tiny seeds will eventually separate from the flower, and the bag will capture them.

To store the seeds for planting, fill a pot with potting soil designed for cacti and succulents and lightly scatter the seeds on top. Keep the planting medium moist (not wet) until the seeds germinate. Transplant the seedlings into your garden in spring.

If you are starting your seeds indoors, use a growing medium of half seedling mix and half sand. Place the pot of sown seeds into a clear plastic bag and refrigerate for two weeks. Provide a soil temperature of 70-80°F for germination.

The best soil for seed germination

To collect seeds from hens and chicks flowers, you must first wait for the plant to flower. Flowering is not always desirable for these plants, and it can be a sign of poor conditions, such as overcrowding, extreme light, or temperature shifts. Only mature plants tend to bloom, and this usually happens in the summer. Once the flowers have faded, collect the seeds from the pods left behind.

To propagate the seeds of a hens and chicks plant, sprinkle them on top of pots filled with a cactus or succulent potting mix. Lightly moisten the mix and place the pot in a bright location. The seeds should sprout within three weeks.

Now, for the best soil for seed germination, a seed starting mix is recommended for better results. Garden soil is often too heavy for young plants and can prevent germination and root growth. A seed starting mix is lighter than potting soil and is sterile, preventing bugs and damping off. It also has fewer nutrients, reducing the chance of damping off disease in seedlings. You can make your own seed starting mix by combining peat moss, compost, perlite, and lime with water and stirring it to a brownie mix consistency. Some popular pre-made mixes include Burpee, which is made from coir, and Promix, which works well with a soil block maker.

When using seed trays, it is important to ensure the soil does not dry out too quickly, or the seeds may never germinate. Takeout containers with holes punched in them can also be used, especially those with clear plastic lids. Drainage holes and humidity domes are necessary to hold moisture while allowing light to pass through. Light exposure is crucial to prevent seedlings from becoming spindly.

The temperature of the soil also plays a vital role in germination. If the soil is too cool or too warm, seeds may not sprout. Different seeds have different optimal temperature ranges, and some require light to germinate, while others need darkness. Germination mats can be used to warm up the soil and maintain the desired temperature.

Caring for seedlings

Hens and chicks are members of the Sempervivum group of succulent plants, commonly called houseleeks. They are drought-tolerant and require very little care. They are typically carefree plants and thrive in full sun with good drainage.

When growing seedlings, it is important to mist them every few days and place them in a bright, sunny window. Transplant the seedlings into a wide, shallow container once they reach about an inch in diameter. The container should have excellent drainage, and the soil should be a cactus/succulent potting mix. Place the seedlings in an area that receives a lot of sun outdoors or at least six hours of bright light daily indoors.

Do not overwater the seedlings; water only when the top inch of soil is dry. To prevent root rot, ensure the container and soil are well-drained and do not let the seedlings sit in waterlogged soil. If you are growing seedlings indoors, be aware that these plants tend to have more issues with pests, such as mealybugs and aphids. If you notice any pests, try removing them with a cotton swab or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol, or treat the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Hens and chicks are typically low-growing plants, but they can sometimes grow tall or "leggy" if they are not receiving enough light. If your seedlings begin to grow tall, try moving them to a brighter location.

Frequently asked questions