Question
Hi.  I have a Queens Tears that bloomed late last spring and has a stem of seed pods hanging off where the bloom was.  They have just started to turn brown.  How long does this process usually take and will these seeds reproduce?  If they do reproduce what planting instructions can you give me on planting the seeds?  Thank you and God Bless.
Cindy

Answer
Hi Cindy,

Propagating seeds from Billbergia nutans is a bit complicated. Typically the seeds will ripen from pollinated flowers in about 3 months. They become soft when ripe as they are encased in a jelly-like substance.

Pick the ripened pods and squeeze the seeds out and roll them in paper towels to get them dry. The seeds should be germinated in a closed clear plastic container about the size of a shoe box. Use a peat-based, soilless potting mix that is damp and about an inch deep. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface and put a lid on the box to keep the moisture inside. Keep it in a warm location that is bright, but away from direct sun.

When the seedlings are about a half-inch tall, you can open the shoe box partially and then completely over a two-week period. You will then have to water and mist them as needed to keep them moist. You can move the seedlings into their own small pots as soon as the seedlings are about two inches tall.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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