AT A GLANCE
What does ivy seed look like and can it be used for propagation?
Ivy seeds are small drupes, about 5 mm in size, contained in real berries. The plant blooms in late autumn and only bears fruit when it is approx. 20 years. Ivy can be easily propagated from seeds, but they are poisonous and contain toxic compounds such as alpha-hederin.
What do ivy seeds look like?
ivy forms small drupes, about 5 millimeters in size, containing the seeds. However, blooms only the age form of Hedera Helix from about the age of twenty years and subsequently bears fruit.
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The umbelliferous flowers, which are very popular with bees and other insects, only appear in late autumn. After fertilization, the close together, real berries, in which up to five seeds are hidden.
Can ivy be propagated by seeds?
ivy can easily be propagated by seeds. The climbing plant is a cold germ, which means that you must first interrupt the germination inhibition of the seeds with a cold stimulus.
How Are Ivy Seeds Stratified?
This is very easy to do by collecting and removing the pulp Store seeds in the refrigerator for some time:
- Put some damp sand in a plastic bag or in a small, tightly fitting jar.
- Put the ivy seeds inside.
- Store in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator for at least three weeks.
- Check occasionally, because the seed must not dry out.
Alternatively, you can expose the seed granules mixed with sand to the winter cold.
How are ivy seeds sown?
The sowing by Hedera Helix is shaped by the good seed germination right uncomplicated:
- Cultivation bowls or pots with potting soil to fill.
- Scatter the seeds mixed with sand on top.
- Cover with a thin layer of soil and water.
- Put a transparent hood over the shells until germination.
- Keep moist and air for a short time every day.
- As soon as three pairs of leaves have formed, prick out.
- Cut back the shoot tips regularly so that bushy and strong plants develop.
Are ivy seeds poisonous?
Ivy is one of them poisonous plants, where the highest concentration of toxic substances in the pulp surrounding seeds can be found. This contains, among other things, alpha-hederin (triterpene saponin).
This toxin has a very strong effect on the circulatory and digestive tracts. It triggers symptoms of poisoning even in small doses. These are expressed in the form of:
- Diarrhea,
- Vomit,
- Headache,
- tachycardia,
- seizures.
Have children from poisonous ivy nibbled, you should definitely call the poison control center.
Tip
Sow ivy seeds after winter
If you leave seeds and fruits on the ivy during the winter months, you do not have to stratify them and can sow them directly in spring. However, there is a risk that the berries, which are very popular with birds, will be eaten up completely and you will only find a few seeds.
