How to Extract and Propagate Aloe Vera Seeds?

The highly praised medicinal Aloe Vera plant is mainly propagated from cuttings, but did you know the seeds can also give you an exotic addition?

The process might seem easy, but specific methods need your attention to complete the propagation. So stay tuned till the end.

What do Aloe Vera Seeds look like?

The Aloe Vera, a cactus-like succulent, grows in a relatively hot, dry climate and produces vibrant yellow to orange blooms to give thin dark seeds.

Look at the overview of the seeds produced by Aloe vera.

How do you Extract Aloe Vera Seeds?

Aloe vera flowers only once it reaches maturity, which might take around four to ten years, marked by blossoms or flowers.

Nevertheless, your Aloe Vera plant will begin producing seeds in the spring after giving its first flowers.

Meanwhile, obtaining the grayish-brown to black seeds can be the most rewarding experience, primarily to obtain similar plants.

Instruction to Extract Aloe Vera Seeds

After you have greenish-brown seed pods, follow the step-by-step instruction for harvesting Aloe seeds.

• Split the matured seed pods open carefully without letting the seeds spread away.
• Place a tray, plate, or dish under the pod to collect the seeds, as they are tiny.
• However, check the color of the seeds inside the pods before breaking, as only the greyish-black seeds can germinate, not the lighter ones.

You can sow the seed immediately indoors or store it for the next season to grow outdoors.

For that, use a tightly sealed glass container and keep them cool.

Alternatively, you can use paper envelopes or packets, wrap the seeds in them, and place them in a dry, dark location.

Note: Using a germination tray, you can germinate the seeds indoors, even in winter. Otherwise, wait until winter has passed.

Aloe Vera Seeds for Sale

Buying Aloe vera seeds from reliable retailers and gardeners is always an alternative if you find the extraction arduous.

Therefore, look at the list of reliable sites to check and get an insight into the price per kg of Aloe vera seeds, including Amazon.

Can you Grow Aloe Vera from Seed?

Yes, you can. If the seeds you have harvested are mature and viable, then you can start preparing a proper potting medium and go for germination.

As for the stored seeds, you can use them for the following spring season but try using them within a year as they lose their viability afterward.

Steps to Propagate Aloe Vera via Seeds

Propagating Aloe Vera from the seeds is easy and involves only a few steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Seed

• Begin to prepare the seed by giving it a good soak in warm water.
• Soaking the seeds overnight breaks down their natural defenses, including inhibitors that may prevent germination.
• You can also sow the freshly harvested seeds directly without soaking them in water.

Step 2: Prepare the Seed Starter Mix

The ideal potting mix is the key to getting the best-growing medium for Aloe seeds.

• Using a commercial Aloe or Cacti mix may work well.
• Alternatively, prepare a DIY using perlite, sand, peat moss, and sterile compost.
• Start by mixing two parts of perlite and sand with one part of peat moss and sterile compost.
• Another recipe could be a 1:1 ratio of peat and horticultural sand.
• Then, stir the ingredients to bring a uniform texture. Add water to moisten the medium.

Step 3: Fill the Germination Tray

• Fill each cell in the germination tray with the pre-made seed starter and press the surface to make it even.
• Then, place two seeds per cell an inch apart on top of the soil and gently push it inside, about 1/4″ deep.
• Cover it with a light dusting of sand to prevent moisture from escaping.
• Lastly, moisten the solution daily until mature leaves emerge (2-3 weeks), or you can place the tray in a large container and wet its feet from the bottom.

Limit watering to three times a week, then water twice weekly. Maintain a temperature of 70-78ºF during the germination.

Growing Aloe Vera Outdoors

You should be wary about growing Aloe seeds outdoors when winter or the last frost has not passed, as the cold drafts can easily stress them.

Begin preparing the soil by amending it with sterile compost only if the risk of the last frost has passed.

• Dig up the ground and add a seed 1/8″ deep, 6-12 inches apart from each other.
• Water daily to moisten the soil (thrice a week and twice afterward).
• Doing so lets the seedlings sprout in the next 10-14 days.
• Begin applying the organic fertilizer, diluted to half strength, when you witness four or more leaves.

The outdoor-grown plant can tolerate down to 50°F, but anything below 32°F will permanently damage the seedlings.

Therefore, germinating the seeds indoors would be best before taking them outside.

Take reference from the video for visual aids!

Care for Aloe Vera Seeds During Propagation

The growth rate of Aloe vera depends on environmental conditions and the particular species’ history.

Here are a few essential things to know while caring for the Aloe seedlings.

• Provide germination tray with 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. However, avoid extended exposure as it can dry out the seeds and seedlings.
• Alternatively, you can use artificial fluorescent lighting for the same effect.
• Keep the germination tray on a heat mat or in a propagator for at least two weeks to boost warmth and humidity.
• Putting the plastic lid on the tray will help preserve humidity.
• However, avoid covering the tray using a non-sterile organic mix, leading to fungal growth.
• Mist the soil surface daily to keep the potting mix from drying out and avoid fertilization.

After providing the care, your Aloe seedlings will begin growing feeder roots and green within 2-3 weeks.

Care for Aloe Vera Seeds After Propagation

Once the seedlings appear from the seeds with about three to four saplings, you are ready to transplant them into a container or pot.

Lastly, re-fill the pot with the ready mix, cover the root section, and provide optimum care.

Aloe Vera Plant Benefits

Growing Aloe Vera has many benefits because this medicinal plant can be used for various household purposes and gives the additional benefit of being non-toxic.

Some of the significant roles of Aloe vera include:

• The gel of Aloe is antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic, which can be applied on sore, burn, rashes, and healing wounds.
• Also, Latex contains chemicals that work as a laxative to help clear your bowel (consult the physician before taking Aloe orally).
• Massaging Aloe gel on joints helps reduce arthritic swelling.
• Aloe contains an antioxidant substance called polyphenols that help prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
• Aloe vera mouthwash reduces dental plaque and bacterial biofilms on teeth.
• Applying Aloe gel also helps treat canker sores because of the Acemannan extract.
• Applying dietary Aloe gel also helps prevent wrinkles and improve skin condition.