Can You Grow Bleeding Heart from Seeds?
There are several ways to propagate bleeding heart, including division, cuttings, separation, and seeds. Bleeding heart is not considered invasive because, although it is not native to North America, it does not self-seed very vigorously. Propagating or starting by seed can be done successfully, though, and may be the best choice because bleeding heart does not transplant well. It takes time for the seeds to germinate, but once they do, they will grow well in the right conditions.
When to Sow Bleeding Heart Seeds
It is best to sow bleeding heart seeds soon after harvesting them from the plant, which is done in late summer. This gives the seeds plenty of time to germinate and provides the cold period they need for several weeks. If you cannot sow your seeds right away, you can germinate them indoors and sow in spring. To do this, store the seeds in the freezer for several weeks for the cold period and then allow them several weeks to germinate in a moist medium at temperatures around 60 degrees F. (16 C.).
How to Grow Bleeding Heart from Seed
You can store and germinate your bleeding heart seeds as described above, but it is best if you can harvest and then sow the seeds right away in late summer or early fall. When planting bleeding heart seeds, make sure you find a spot in a partially shady location with well-draining soil. This plant does not grow well in soggy soil. Plant the seeds about a half inch (1 cm.) in the soil and keep the area moist until the first frost arrives. From that point on you need only wait on your seeds to develop and sprout. Be aware that you may not see blooms on your plant for the first couple years. Bleeding heart is a great choice for wooded gardens that have a lot of shade. Unfortunately, these pretty bushes do not always transplant well, but if you have the patience for it, you can successfully grow them from seeds.
