| I purchased some lantana plants at a nursery last summer. They produced berries after flowering. I collected some and dried some. Can I start some more plants from these seeds? |
| Susan, Those berries contain seeds. They are usually viable and can be used to start new plants. You can start them from seed by planting the seeds about 1/4 in deep and keeping them moist. However, the seeds will produce plants somewhat different from the parent plants, just like children are each somewhat different from either of their parents. For identical plants you need to either purchase more of the same variety, or divide the plants you have. Early spring is a good time to divide lantana. A third option is to root some stems from the plants during the growing season. Bend a section of stem (about 6" away from the base of the mother plant) so from the end so that it breaks, but not completely in two. Scoop out a handful of dirt from beneath the stem, place the bent section of the stem in the hole, pin it down with a paper clip bent in to a "U" shape, and cover it with soil. Water it in and keep it moist by periodic watering. In a few weeks the stem will start to root at the broken spot. You can later cut it from the "mother plant", dig it and replant in another location. Thanks for the question. Please feel free to stop in again with another question any time we can help! |
