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Can I grow Clematis Alba Luxurians from this seed?

dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 982
in Plants
I'm moving and taking some cuttings and seeds from some of my most loved plants.
My viticella clem is covered with spent flowers and seed heads, but I've no idea which stage of seed head I can actually pick and store, in order to grow another one from seed.
I'd really like to give it a go, for sentimental reasons mainly! 
Here is a photo of some of the dried out greyish/white seed heads (at least, I think that's what they are!) and the greener, fresher remains of flowers (which I am guessing are still too fresh to do anything with).
What do I do with them, how do I gather them and store them?
Any advice much appreciated.
I tried taking cuttings of this clem, but sadly none of them took...

Thank you.


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  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 982
    Bumping
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,323
    edited September 2018
    The three little stems are not viable seed heads I am afraid. The top fat green one is more like it.
    I usually leave mine to go browner before taking them off the plant. But some people do dry heads like that green one to ripen . Not sure of viability, and some like that do drop off before going brown .
    You may get some seedlings which look like the parent, I am not sure how true they might come.
    Sure others will be able to say for sure, but it will be fun finding out. I hope you do get what you want.

    It is a viticella type I think? So might be worthwhile carefully rooting around the plants base if you have lots of stems you may be able to split a piece with roots off the parent.
  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 982
    I'd never thought of doing that Rubytoo! Will have a look. Yes, it's a viticella type. Thank you.
  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 982
    Do you let yours go completely brown then, before opening them up? I may gather quite a few then. We're moving in a week and I fear they won't have gone any browner by then...I hope I can let them go brown once removed and still be able to harvest the seed from them.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,160
    It's not that hard to find this clematis so why not just get a new one and save all the waiting to see if a) seeds germinate and b) they grow up to be the same as mum.

    Should you find yourself in this position in future, plan ahead of a move and try layering cuttings as well as collecting seed.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 982
    Because it's sentimental. 

    I know they are easy to find online, but thought it would be fun growing from a parent plant, as I've never grown a clem from seed.

    I didn't know I was moving until quite recently, so didn't think to collect seeds last year.

    I did layer cuttings, but all failed.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,160
    In that case, water well, cut it back to just a couple of feet and dig up the entire plant and pot it.   

    The seed is unlikely to produce a clone and they're not that easy to germinate and grow on anyway for amateurs.  May as well have a go with that too though.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,166
    edited September 2018
    The green items in the top of the photo are seeds but they're not ripe yet. If there are more of those on the plant and you have time, let them ripen and they will produce something similar to the plant you have. I don't find clems hard from seed


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 982
    Digging up whole plant not an option - too densely planted around base and would disturb too many other plants. Plus new people moving in may just notice a huge clematis missing. I have no intention to move it - but having a go at growing one from seed. Nutcutlet - you have given me some hope  :) I shall have a go. There are loads on the plant - literally hundreds. I have about 10 days before I leave...
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,323
    edited September 2018
    The whole green spikey ball is made up of individual seeds. Each one of the round flat bits with the tail is a seed. Hope that makes sense.
    They separate into flat tadpoles when ripe. They are big seeds:o)
    Though I do agree with Obelixx as it has such a strong connection for you. Though taking the whole plant is I believe technically wrong.
    If the new buyers saw it or knew  or cared what it was and were sticklers or awkward.
    You could ask them if they mind as it has sentimental value. They may understand.
    If you think they might not be sympathetic or notice, or it leaves a gap, or if it makes you feel better replace it with something else.
    It is difficult if you have a strong conscience.
    I would take it if I could not get a piece from it, and replace it with something else.
    Good luck, oh and I am terrible with clematis cuttings if it makes you feel any better.
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