When Are Lilac and Rose Seeds Ripe for Harvest?

Lilac: Seed capsules turn brown and begin to split—pick immediately.

Rose: Hips (fruit) turn red/orange/pink and soften in fall. Pick just before first frost if birds aren’t eating them.

Both Need Cold Stratification

• Lilac: 60–90 days in fridge.
• Rose: 90+ days; some species need two winters.

Hybrid roses may not come true from seed. Species roses and heirlooms are more reliable.