Collecting seed

[metalfish]

Originally Posted by Tursiops2

metalfish - thanks for that, very helpful. The site I have in mind for this is a large garden I'm about to take responsibility for. It has an area of rough grass/neglected lawn that looks like it should make a half-decent wildflower meadow, but I need to study it more closely and do some preparation before I plant anything, so potting and plug-planting next year is probably the way I'll go. How big are the individual seeds, and how long will they remain viable?

jez - thanks for the offer. Hopefully, we'll have the chance to discuss this on-site soon

T2

The seeds are less'ish than 1/2 cm! Easy enough to see and pick up individually. I don't know how long they are viable for, but I don't think they are one of the short-lived species. I'd say a few years at least, alot depends on storage conditions (3-6 degrees centigrade in a dark & dry place is preferable). Meadow cranesbill is an easy plant to grow so just go for it

Jez's offer sounds like a good one for starting your meadow, he might be able to send you grass seed too. www.naturescape.co.uk is a good source for UK wildflower/ grass/ tree & pond plants, their website is good for advise on meadow creation too.
As you've already mentioned preperation is the key- initial effort will make for a successful meadow that needs virtually no care in the future (just two cuts) , the main thing that makes meadow creation fail or last only 1-2 years is scimping on ground preperation. Just see Naturescape website- specially if your starting your plants as plugs so you have the time to prep the ground as your plants grow.

[Gill Catton]

I have manged to get meadow cranesbill growing from a cutting if that helps. plenty of rooting hormone on a cut stem put in soil and away it went!