Clematis from seed?

Hello,

I've been thinking the same thing. My Clemantis Montana is going over to seed and my thinking is that it must be possible. As surely plants find a way to survive without us? So some of those seeds, given the right conditions must grow into new plants over time.

Having said that, I do think the best way is to take cuttings from existing Clematis plants. I have some brilliant advice on here and am doing my trial of cuttings...... so far none of them have keeled over. I think for some plants cuttings is the way to go.

I'll have a look and try and post a link to the advice I was given.

Yes.  I did it once with seeds for Clematis tangutica Pinwheel.  Got loads of babies and gave all except one away and then mine died of cold.  Typical.

I might try again with my own sedd from other clems in my garden which I know to be hardy to -25C so would hope their babies would also be hardy enough for my garden.

http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/plants/identification/2711.html

Can't do the underline link that others do but if you copy & paste (or open in a new tab) it works

Thanks obelixx,

Might have a go at this as well

I've grown clematis alpina from seed. I had a high germination rate too, and had a lot to give away.

I've successfully grown Clematis integrifolia and mandschurica (both herbaceous types) from seed which was quite easy, particularly integrifolia, which I've grown from seed made by my existing plants. Large flowered varieties are a different matter though as they tend not to produce many viable seeds and are harder to germinate as well as not coming true to type from seed.  Those take several years to mature to the flowering stage.  Commercially, all large flowered types are propagated from cuttings. However, there is always a chance of developing a new variety if you have the patience!

I found the alpinas very easy to grow, getting flowers in two years on some of them.

I must admit to never trying alpinas from seed, Alina.  Must give those a go - I have Frances Rivis which I think has some seed heads on at the moment, so looks like a new project!

I have grown Clematis chiisanensis 'Korean Beauty' from seed - several germinated from a September 2010 sowing but few survived the winter - even when indoors !! One plant remained and was planted in the ground summer 2011. It has put on lots of young growth this spring and is now climbing upwards so I'm very pleased with its performance so far. I did try to germinate more from seed, obtained from a different source, earlier in the year with no success at all !!!! 

Just remember that fresh seed germinates far better than stored. Also it is esy to tell viable seed from non-viable. The fatter and plumper the seed, the more likely it is to be alive.

Hybrids do not come true, but species will and you never know you may get something nice. One of my alpine seedlings has turned out to be a rather nice pale pink double flowered version.