Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis) is a shade-loving perennial flower with lacy, dark green foliage and upright clusters of feathery pinkish-white blooms that appear from mid-summer to autumn. Astilbe works well in cut-flower bouquets, and can also be dried and used in dry flower arrangements. The interesting seed pods of the astilbe can also be dried. Astilbe is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. Astilbe seeds can be harvested in autumn and planted the following year.
Instructions
1. Watch for astilbe blooms to fade at the end of summer. Wrap a piece of netting around the bloom to prevent the pod from expelling the seeds on the ground. Harvest the seeds when the fluffy seed pod at the base of the bloom turns dry and brown.
2. Clip the seed pod and shake the astilbe seeds into a paper bag. Put the bag in a warm, dry spot until the seeds are dark and brittle. Don't rush. If the seeds aren't completely dry, they may mold.
3. Spread the seeds on a baking tray. Use tweezers to pick out plant debris, the pour the seeds into a small airtight container. Write the type of plant and date on the container. Store the container in a cool, dry place until spring.
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