Persian Shield Seeds: Harvesting & Propagation Guide

Persian Shield’s elegant purple leaves with a silvery metallic sheen are the reason why it earned its Royal stature. But sometimes, getting a new generation of Persian Shield compromises the aesthetic of the flower to produce seeds.

Although it is rare for Persian Shield to produce seeds indoors or in the garden, it is not impossible.

Moreover, you can rely on stores to get some and propagate them with a little extra care and attention.

Persian Shield Seeds Overview

Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) is a perennial plant famous for its dark green iridescent leaves with metallic purple stripes.

Despite the name Persian Shield, these sizzling purple plants are originally from Myanmar (Burma) and produce tubular flowers that are not as showy as the foliage.

However, the clusters of Persian Shield violet flowers blooming around late autumn produce seeds during late winter.

Harvesting the seeds indoors may be difficult, but Persian Shield seeds can be grown indoors and outdoors under suitable conditions.

You’ll not have a problem growing Persian Shield in Zone 9 and above from seeds but for Zone 8, these cold-tender plant demand winter protection.

Did you know Persian Shield got this name because its leaves resemble feudal battle shields? 

How to Collect Persian Shield Seeds?

Extracting the Persian Shield seeds by growing the plant at home could be a tough nut to crack since blooming is irregular.

So, place your Persian Shield in full sun to partial shade in a garden to promote healthy flower growth and viable seeds.

Remember, Persian Shield is very sensitive to frost, so you must ensure the temperature does not drop below 55°F, or you’ll not have any blooms.

However, if your plant did bless you with flowers, keep your eyes on them with proper care.

Many say those collected seeds were not useful, but it is worth trying with the best efforts. You may also buy Persian Shield seeds from local stores or online stores like Amazon. 

Steps to Harvest Persian Shield Seeds

Here is a detailed stepwise guide for harvesting Persian Shield plants seeds carefully.

Step 1: Collect the Seed Pods

Even if the flowering of the Persian Shield is sporadic, it will bloom around early winter.

Allowing the flowers to bloom and fade naturally gives time for the seedpod to develop from the base of the faded flower.

Generally, seedpods will mature around late winter or early spring. You can now snip them off the stem and collect them in a paper or bag.

Step 2: Extract the Seeds

• Take out the seeds either using your finger or with a pair of tweezers.
• Place a clean white paper underneath to collect the seeds.
• Ensure you subtly pick out all seeds from the seedpods.

You may rinse the seeds with clean water and dry them afterwards to store them for future use.

Can You Grow Persian Shield from Seed?

Gardners normally prefer propagating the plant by stem cutting, but you can propagate Persian Shield by seeds as well.

Nevertheless, Persian Shield won’t disappoint you if you got seeds and planning to have a full-fledged shield.

Step 1: Prepare the Seed and Potting Mix

Whether the Persian Shield seeds are freshly extracted or preserved, you can presoak them to boost germination.

Use lukewarm water to soak the seeds and let them rest for 24 hours before planting.

Presoaking can trigger the sleeping seeds, awaken them, and prepare them for germination.

Further, use an airy, well-draining mix with perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite.

Otherwise, you can buy seed starter mix from any one of the certified stores. 

Step 2: Sowing Seeds in the Germination Tray

Generally, the best time for germinating the Persian Shield is spring or late winter.

• Disinfect the germination tray and fill it with starting to mix up to 70% of the tray height.
• Sow the seeds on the soil about 1/4 inch deep and barely cover them with potting mix.
• Add 2 to 3 seeds per compartment for a greater chance of germination.
• Water the seeds using a spray to moisten them but do not drench the soil as it may cause damage to the seed.
• Put a plastic cover on the tray to maintain the constant humidity level.

Step 3: Care for Persian Shield Seeds During the Germination

Do not forget that Persian Shield seeds require optimal conditions to germinate. So, ensure you’re giving them the right conditions.

Here are the necessary care requirements for seed germination.

• Let the seeds rest in bright indirect sunlight, or use grow lights a few inches away from the seeds.
• Maintain a constant temperature of around 55 to 65°F and humidity above 50%. Seeds won’t germinate if the temperature falls too low.
• Use a heating pad under the tray if you live in a colder region to maintain a stable temperature.
• Ensure to keep the soils moist by misting them with a mister daily. But do not overwater them as they may rot with excess moisture.
• Do not fertilize during this period, as every necessary nutrient is available in the starting mix.

Persian Shield seeds generally germinate in 2 to 3 weeks, so sit tight and carefully follow the care routine until then.

Be patient until the seedling grows a few pairs of leaves, and then transplant them to a separate pot.

Prepare a potting mix with organic fertilizer for transplanting, and use a six-inch pot.

Use your hands to take the seedlings out from the tray gently and put the seedlings at 1/4 inch below the soil surface.

Tips to Take Care of Persian Shield Seedlings After Germination

You are almost there with this delicate process of germination. Now, all you need to do is lead seedlings to their adulthood.

So, here is a few seedling requirements after germination.

• Place your plant sapling on a warm windowsill, 2-3 feet away from a south-facing window, for at least eight hours of bright indirect sunlight. Do not expose seedlings to direct sunlight, as it leads to leaf burn.
• Keep the topmost layer of soil moist but not soggy. Also, ensure to reduce the watering frequency during the fall and winter by watering sparingly.
• Monthly application of balanced liquid fertilizers after diluting them to their half-strength at the active growth phase.
• Keep the soil pH neutral or slightly acidic (5.5 – 7.5).
• Maintain a consistent temperature ranging above 60°F with hot, humid air. 
• Watch out for pests like spider mites and aphids. Apply soapy water or use neem oil to prevent them from coming.

Watch the video for more propagation tips,