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For ages now I've been trying to grow hellebores from seed, putting them in pots in the dark, in the light, with lids on, without lids on, see through lids, non seethroug lids, fancy composts etc etc.

I got so disheartened that I just shoved the spare seeds in a manky old plastic bag and shoved it under a bench out of my sight. I was clearing out the other day and found the bag I'd forgotten about, I opened it up expecting the usual fungal mess and there they were, loads of little hellebore seedlings growing in some dirty soil at the bottom of the bag. HOOORAH!!

Now they're transplanted into their own luxury 3 inch pot apartments with a south facing view.

Just shows you that sometimes you can try too hard.

I rember watching Geoff Hamilton and he always seemed to have loads of hellebore seedlings growing under his plants. I have had hellebores for quite some years now, but I have never been lucky enough to have seedlings. I will have to try your method!

The important thing with hellebore seed is not so much HOW as WHEN! They really do grow better from fresh seed sown as soon as the pods begin to split.
Have to say that these days I spend more time weeding them out than sowing them though! :P :-[

Have to say that these days I spend more time weeding them out than sowing them though! 


Lucky you!

I don't think they're hard, provided you plant fresh seed, let it chill over winter, and give it plenty of time. I had some sent last year, stuck them in a cold frame, and they're coming up like mad now. It's the straightforward epigeal germination, with the seed leaves popping up in the familiar way, so there are no great complications.

I was quite tempted to have a go with some hellebore seed having seen Carol Klein's piece on GW last week. However, @ £4.99 for 15 seeds and a suggested germination period of 18 months :o, I decided to buy a plant instead.

The local GC had some quite nice ones in 3 litre pots, for £7.50, and I decided on a 'Pink Beauty'. I had a nice surprise when I got it home, as I found that there was a healthy offshoot growing from the main plant. Consequently I now have two hellebores for the price of one!

Gardeners world were doing a good deal a couple of months ago, 15 young plants for £20 I think.

You lot are either very clever or very lucky  :D
I planted a Hellebore 6 years ago and each year it comes up with lovely leaves but no flowers.
Now this year, low and behold it has flowered. I had even forgotten what colour it was, now I know it is white  ;D
I think I might try and save some seeds  8)

Quote from: Spruance on February 27, 2007, 11:51:55
I was quite tempted to have a go with some hellebore seed having seen Carol Klein's piece on GW last week. However, @ £4.99 for 15 seeds and a suggested germination period of 18 months :o, I decided to buy a plant instead.

Try POD or Chiltern Seeds. The germination period is the same but the price is better.

Better yet, send me a PM when seeds are ripe and I will send you some, fresh and free (except for a stamp! ;D).

Well done!! I've been trying to germinate Tibetan poppies for years, tried so many different ways, some people say put them in the fridge, some say don't. Never succeeded so might try the throw them in a bag and leave them technique!
Love Hellebores, they are one of the plants that was in my first ever garden and they were just so beautiful.  :)