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disclaimer.. i know the majority of you are not interest in this plant but here's some info for the couple of gals who are.

here's a photo i just took of the seeds on my flower stalks that i did not cut down from this years plant. right now the pods are soft to the touch and need to dry out more. i just cut two stalks for the seeds to dry ~ and i left a couple standing uncut to dry that way. i did a google search to find out more about the seeds and learned the following:

"The easiest way to increase your plants is by taking cuttings in late autumn and early winter. Sections of root laid on a seed tray of compost will sprout within weeks. An acanthus grown in our climate only sets a few viable seeds per spike, which look like little wrinkled prunes. In the wild they'd be propelled 6m (19.2ft) or more when the capsule splits, but I've never seen it happen here. Harvest in late winter and sow in spring, using soil-based gritty compost. Cover the seeds with vermiculite; they should germinate within 21 days in temperatures of 15C."

and this bit of handy info to know...

"They [the seeds] look like large green pistachios nestled in the leaves next to the stem. The description says the seed pods explode and throw the seeds up to 30+ feet away from the plant -- guess you need to be careful about getting too close!"

ps.. thanks Barb in MS for posting the photo of yours sprouting. i'm glad to know you had success from planting the tubers i sent.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bana,

bana, can i try some seeds, too? i'm overjoyed with the BB's i have, but i would love to try these in planters also. How many seeds are in one pod?

from what i read there should be 4 seeds in a pod. its all new to me and yes, i can send you some. they are green now and need to dry up. be careful when they pop open that you don't get a seed in an eye. keep your distance or have them in some kind of container.

i was planning to let some dry on the stalk but my neighbor came over to move my deck box and he pulled all the stalks out. so all i have now is cut stalks with green pods. that should be ok tho. they will just dry a little faster.

WOW! 4 seeds in a pod. those must be some pretty big seeds!
thanks, bana!

or tiny.. with a big pod. i suppose i could crack one pod open to see whats inside. the pod is soft and dents easily at this stage.

That's a nervy neighbor.

quote:

Originally posted by mgt:
That's a nervy neighbor.

he was there to help me move something and the plant stalks were in the way. he did ask before pulling it out.

That is neat, thanks for the info. Maybe it was too hot for mine, going to try some in the shade.