FLOWER SEEDS

Lantana

This is the only color of the Lantana seeds that I have right now. Some have pink in the center. I am getting more colors, but they won't be ready till next year. I now have the gold, lavender and white, just waiting for them to bloom and make lots of seeds! So stay tuned! I'll let you know. There's another photo of one on a fence below.

Seeds of the Lantana

These pictures show what the seeds of the Lantana look like. This is when they are in their green stage and when they are very poisonous. After they turn black they are fine and are no longer dangerous.

Info & Care of the Lantana Seeds

Lantana Camara

Also known as the Spanish Flag is native to tropical regions in Central and South American. Spanish Flag has been introduced into other parts of the world as an ornamental plant; it is considered an invasive species in many tropical areas.

The Lantana which is also sometimes called White Sage is a woody type of a shrub. There are 150 varities of Lantana. Widely grown as annuals or tender perennials. Lantanas are valued for their neat little clusters of red, yellow, pink, lilac, white, or orange blooms. A lot of bi-colors. They do well in containers, warm sunny beds, as a bedding plant or on a slope for erosion control. As annuals, they grow 12’-24’ tall, but will reach can reach 8-10ft where they are perennial. Plants are evergreen in frost-free regions.

Seeds come in a semi dormant stage. Seeds are black when ripe. Plant seeds in late winter. Germination for Lantana is appox. 8wks and seeds should be planted 1/8” deep in peaty soil. Another trick is to soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hrs before planting. They need it to be at least 72-76 degrees to germinate. Cooler temperatures can delay seed germination.

Lantana offers bright color that is attractive to bees and butterflies. I have loads of butterflies on mine and they are something to behold. The flowers are borne in clusters and are bi-colored, somewhat resembling the common Verbena (they are in the same family and are close relatives.) Lantana is not related to the Sage family, despite its nickname.

Lantana has become popular in gardens for its hardy nature, it is not affected by pests or disease, has low water requirements, and handles

extreme heat. In the sub-tropic and tropics some Lantanas are considered weeds. The ease with which they are propagated tells you why.

Lantana does well in sun or part shade, and prefers a rich, loose, well drained soil, although it will still perform well in less than perfect conditions. It does appreciate some shelter from the elements, and does well alongside a fence or against the house. It has naturalized in certain warmer areas, such as Florida and Texas, and is drought resistant once established. It will not tolerate severe winters, so grow it as an annual if you are below zone 7 or so. It is a low-maintenance plant that can grow up to 8-10 feet if it is happy in its position, but pruning works well if you prefer a smaller shrub. It mingles well in mixed borders and also makes an attractive specimen plant (but you will have to pinch it to make it more full). Deadheading spent flowers is also a good idea with this plant to encourage more bloom.