Collect Siberian Pea Shrub Seeds
Harvest Caragana arborescens seeds in late summer, once the pods have turned brown and dried but before they naturally split open and release their seeds. Monitor the plant closely during this time (December to March in the southern hemisphere), as the pods can quickly transition from mature to split, particularly in warm or windy weather.
Use pruning shears or scissors to carefully cut off the pods or small branches bearing them. This method minimizes disturbance to the plant and reduces seed loss. It's best to harvest in the morning when pods are less likely to split due to the heat of the day.
After collection, place the pods in a paper bag or spread them on a tray in a cool, dry area to finish drying. Once fully dried, the pods will naturally crack open, making it easy to separate the seeds.
For uncracked pods, you can gently squeeze them or manually open them to release the seeds.
Use pruning shears or scissors to carefully cut off the pods or small branches bearing them. This method minimizes disturbance to the plant and reduces seed loss. It's best to harvest in the morning when pods are less likely to split due to the heat of the day.
After collection, place the pods in a paper bag or spread them on a tray in a cool, dry area to finish drying. Once fully dried, the pods will naturally crack open, making it easy to separate the seeds.
For uncracked pods, you can gently squeeze them or manually open them to release the seeds.
Harvest
December 19, 2024
December
Belongs to the following Plant
Siberian Pea Shrub
Propagation method
Sow pot / tray
Common name
Siberian Pea Shrub
Botanical name
Caragana arborescens
Family
Leguminosae/Fabaceae
Details
A hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree native to Siberia and northern China, growing 2–6 meters tall with nitrogen-fixing roots that enhance soil fertility.
It thrives in poor soils and cold climates, tolerating temperatures as low as -40°C. Blooming with bright yellow, pea-like flowers in spring and producing protein-rich seeds by late summer, it serves as a food source for livestock and wildlife.
Easily propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division, it is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and suited for windbreaks, erosion control, and ornamental use.
In forest gardens, it provides multiple functions, including soil improvement, pollinator attraction, and integration into shrub or canopy layers.
It thrives in poor soils and cold climates, tolerating temperatures as low as -40°C. Blooming with bright yellow, pea-like flowers in spring and producing protein-rich seeds by late summer, it serves as a food source for livestock and wildlife.
Easily propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division, it is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and suited for windbreaks, erosion control, and ornamental use.
In forest gardens, it provides multiple functions, including soil improvement, pollinator attraction, and integration into shrub or canopy layers.
Date
July 07, 2013
Diameter
1.00
Forest layer
shrub
Height (m)
4
Flowers
Yellow
Drought tolerance
Edible
Evergreen
Nitrogen fixer
Perennial
Seeds / nuts / tubers
Shade / Sun
Full sun
Soil type
Most
Wind tolerance
High
Related
Siberian Pea Shrub seeds
Botanical name
Caragana arborescens
Details
A genus of shrubs mostly native to Central Asia, some inhabiting dry, half-desert regions with hot summers and bitterly cold winters. They include some of the toughest and most accommodating of all plants, some able to survive temperatures down to -40°C
Seed is normally harvested late summer - autumn.
Due to drought our neglected plants did not set seed. Check back summer 2025 or join the wait list
Seed is normally harvested late summer - autumn.
Due to drought our neglected plants did not set seed. Check back summer 2025 or join the wait list
Nitrogen fixer
Perennial
Price
$5.90
20 seeds