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Dalmatiansoap
12-01-2010, 04:33 AM
I think that this post will help us all to see how important is to get seeds to germination after harvest as soon as possiblle and how that affects on germination time and sprouting rates.
I recived M. Balbisiana seeds from prof. Markku Hakkinnen on 11. Nov., right after his return back home from banana research in China.
He allready posted few pictures of plants and fruits he collected in Tombiguan nature reserve Park
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=38385&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=38385&ppuser=8286)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=38386&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=38386&ppuser=8286)

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww305/dalmatiansoap/IMAG0676.jpg

I soaked the seeds for four days and place them in germination box.
TWO WEEKS later first several Balbisiana seeds allready sprouted!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=38934&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=38934&limit=last1)
:woohoonaner:

Markku Hakkinen
12-01-2010, 05:00 AM
Banana seeds are going to dormant quite soon after harvest. So in that respects the fresh seeds are germinating fast. However, the dormant seeds are viable for several years depending on storage. The seeds can germinate if they have some 15 % moisture left. The old seeds germination is very irregular. The longest time was in my seed tests 2-years.
Markku.

nannerfunboi
12-02-2010, 11:09 AM
i really appreciate all who post on their methods and experiences in
germinating seeds !! thanks !!
seems common experience of sucess in germinating seeds is starting
with fresh or next to fresh seeds..and "properly stored" seeds..
i guess that will be one of my challenges in my experimenting..
getting the freshest seed i can..
ive been buying from a guy on ebay..in georgia.. havent had seed germinate yet..but
im just a newbie..and seed have only been started couple weeks..so..
but thats the fun isnt it..when we do have sucess..its like winning the lotto..
:)
again..thanks to all... happy holidays..

Dean W.
12-08-2010, 07:09 PM
Nice Ante!:08:

Dalmatiansoap
12-11-2010, 12:52 PM
Here are some after 10 days
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=39264&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=39264&limit=recent)
:woohoonaner:

hardboiled (deleted account)
12-15-2010, 05:41 AM
Help help help help help.

I'm completely new to growing. I've just received some seeds ( MUSA balbisiana ) through ebay which come with instructions saying I need to to:

Soak the seeds for 3 days in tepid water that has been boiled.

Remove the orange tuft BEFORE soaking them( what the hell is it talking about?? ) these seeds are brown nugget shaped things.

Is this right or wrong?

I've seen on the net instructions where bleach is used. That can't be right surely(?)

Help help help. pleeeeease.

Markku Hakkinen
12-15-2010, 06:23 AM
Hi,
The normal tap water is okay for soaking.
If the is some flesh remaining on seeds the it is good to remove it.
It is not necessary to use any bleach.
The speed of germination depends on how old the seeds are.
Markku.

hardboiled (deleted account)
12-15-2010, 06:46 AM
Phewww thank god for that.:woohoonaner:

I assume once I've soaked them for 48 hours I place the seeds in propagator in a dark place, then play the waiting game.

( why on earth would anyone even think of using bleach??? )

Gabe15
12-15-2010, 03:31 PM
Remove the orange tuft BEFORE soaking them( what the hell is it talking about?? ) these seeds are brown nugget shaped things.


My guess is that they are the same instructions they are giving for Strelitzia reginae seeds, which have a very conspicuous "orange tuft".

http://cicultivosmanzanares.com/images/products/8/big/STRELITZIA%20REGINAE%20SEEDS%202.png

hardboiled (deleted account)
12-15-2010, 04:23 PM
Ahhh I see. Well they definitely come with an orange afro so I suppose I'm half way there.:ha:

Dalmatiansoap
12-15-2010, 04:27 PM
Give that guy negative feedback than. U dont have banana seeds :(

hardboiled (deleted account)
12-15-2010, 04:36 PM
That's not filling me with confidence. They're hard shaped nugget looking things. They're the 2nd lot I've order from different ebay supplier and look identical.

Think I'll have a look on here for a half decent supplier. Any recommendations ( in the UK )?

Dalmatiansoap
12-15-2010, 04:41 PM
Try some certifyed seed sellers, out of the ebay.
U can see in pics below how actual banana seeds looks like.

hardboiled (deleted account)
12-15-2010, 04:45 PM
Here's the ebay ad:

15 Musa Sikkimensis seeds: HARDY BANANA on eBay (end time 18-Dec-10 19:03:45 GMT) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290447399969&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_771wt_1139)

Dalmatiansoap
07-03-2011, 07:09 AM
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww305/dalmatiansoap/balcon006.jpg
:nanadrink: