View Full Version : Germination Station in full swing!!!
jpfloors
04-04-2008, 10:55 AM
Here's a picture of my germination station with many different varieties of seeds germinating! I already have had Velutina and Itinerans germinate in less than two weeks!!!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9054&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9054)
These are pictures of Musa Itinerans which has already germinated!!!! I already pulled it from the station and planted it, placing it into a ziplock baggie for humidity in a shady spot with my bromeliads. I hope it starts it's first leaf soon!!!!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9052&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9052)
Dean W.
04-04-2008, 01:22 PM
JP,
What do you use for heat in your germination station? I noticed a cylindrical looking object in the picture. :cloudban:
Dean
jpfloors
04-04-2008, 01:35 PM
JP,
What do you use for heat in your germination station? I noticed a cylindrical looking object in the picture. :cloudban:
Dean
That is a glass themometer actually. Bought that at walmart for like $8 I think. That's the top part that holds the battery that you see, then the bottom is a glass plate that digitally shows the temps. I'll pull it out and take a picture tonight after the heat cycle is over! As well I have a meat themometer in one of the soil containers to watch the soil temps.
For heat I use to a reptile heat pad, look closely in the picture, the black object underneath is it. It was the largest I could find. I have a towel under it to concentrate and insulate the heat! But since the plastic tub is so large, I also have a heating pad for your back or joints kinda pad. NOT the auto shutoff kind (made that mistake the first time I bought it). I have that on top of the lid, also covered with a towel on top to concentrate and insulate the heat!
The air temperatures are staying between 92-102, but the soil tempuratures are staying between 85-93 at most. Night temps are ranging from 65-72. I have a timer on the pads cutting on at 10am and sequencing as so: Three hours on, one hour off, two hours on, one hour off, two hours on, one off, two on... off the rest of the night. It takes about 2-3 hours to even reach above 90 air temps, so I decided to even it out 50/50 on/off.
Later I'll go and look up all of the varieties I've have in there and list them! OFF TO THE BEACH NOW!!! :2691:
I also forgot to mention I have bromeliads, many cacti, cereus (night blooming dragon fruit cacti), passiflora, jalepeno peppers, and strawberry seeds all germinating in there as well!!!!
Dean W.
04-04-2008, 03:49 PM
Nice, I use a ten-gallon aquarium with some christmas lights.
Dean
mskitty38583
04-04-2008, 06:42 PM
see josh im not the only one getting one started with an aquarium.
jpfloors
04-04-2008, 06:48 PM
Christmas lights? Is that enough heat?? Oh, I'd do an aquarium too, but too much money, plus my rubbermaid container has a nice tight lid on it for $10!
mskitty38583
04-04-2008, 06:59 PM
can get an aquarium at a yard sale for between .50 and 5.00. have a piece of plexi-glass cut to fit with a few small holes drilled for ventilation. and walla germination station! see you started this with the germination station. i just took it and ran. you had a great idea! i love that phrase: GERMINATION STATION, sounds like something off of stargate sg1. lol. matter of fact i think i have a friend who has a 10 gall one. i gave away a 29 gallon about 5 yrs ago. wish id of kpt it. but then again i have a 75gal....but it has fish in it. they are almost big enough to fillette. im just joking. i love my sharks.
jpfloors
04-04-2008, 07:11 PM
NO NO Don't kill your fish!!!! LOL Actually I think I like the rubbermade one just fine. I'm going to stick with it for a while! :vandelnana: Yardsales and thrift shops here arn't that cheap! I know what you mean by in your neck of the woods, my mother lives in N. AL on the TN state line and she buys like crazy at yard sales, estate sales, and thrift stores and resells it on e-bay and she makes a killing. She's done it for almost 10 years now! She wouldn't be able to do that here, she already looked around and saw what they charge here. But here, they know what they have and they charge higher than say e-bay prices now days so it's almost no worth the search. Actually most places use e-bay as a refference as to what they price it at their store. Last aquarium I saw at a thirft store here was over $30 for I think a 50 gal.
jpfloors
04-05-2008, 05:31 PM
UPDATE!!!!!!
One Velutina germinated and in ONE DAY the itinerans has grown and showing green coloring!!! Can you feel the growth??? :2214: Sorry, I'm just a little happy!!!! Other varieties in the germination station have began to germinate, but haven't formed their shoot or any roots yet.
Itinerans! Check out day 2 VS. day 3!!!!!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9052&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9052)http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9069&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9069)
Velutina!!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9071&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9071)http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9070&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9070)
jpfloors
04-05-2008, 09:06 PM
Okay everyone, here's the list of what all I'm growing in here!!!!
M Ornata
M Zebrina
M Balbisiana
M Violecea
M Sikkimensis
M Velutina (two trials from two different sources... was given a packet for free from someone)
M Coccinea
M Helens Hybrid
M Itinerans
M Ornata Royal Purple
M Lasiocarpa
M Siamensis
M Bronze? Maybe Ornata Bronze. Can someone good with identification please check out this pic and see what your take on it's actual species name? http://georgiavines.com/v-web/productpage/images/Musa-ornatabronze.jpg
I've had great luck with Georgia Vines seeds, musa and all of her others!!! Georgiavines Passion Vines Aristolochia Passiflora Hibiscus Seeds (http://www.georgiavines.com)
I also have germinating:
Alpine Golden Strawberries
Jalepeno Pepers (germinated and being put in the sun tomorrow)
Black Bromeliad (Drykia, many have been germinated and transplanted out in the sun)
Coral Aloe
Venus Flytrap
Red Rhipsales (variety of cacti)
Night Blooming Cereus (AKA Dragon Fruit Cacti, variety of cacti with 12" fragrant flowers)
Variety of other cacti (many of already germinated and transplanted out in the sun)
5 varieties of Passiflora
STEELVIPER
04-06-2008, 01:40 AM
:woohoonaner:
Dean W.
04-07-2008, 09:38 AM
Yes, the christmas light work well for a ten-gallon aquarium. It gets to 90-95F in there. The aquarium was something I had lying around, so.
Jp, wow, that's quite a list. Good Luck!
Dean
dablo93
04-07-2008, 10:44 AM
looks really good! succes with germinating the other seeds:D
jpfloors
04-22-2008, 07:48 PM
Sorry that I haven't spent too much time on here guys... our 12 y/o rottie died last week and it's been really hard on us and then we started a new job... but I'm finally here to give an update on my germination success! Here's what all I've already had germinate and it out in a screened porch with morning sun (inside ziplocks):
8 Itinirans
5 Balbisiana
3 Velutina
3 Violecea
4 Ornata Bronze
This pic was taken a few days ago, there's been more growth since!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9290&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9290)
Richard
04-22-2008, 08:03 PM
Josh, your picture was too dark to see any sprouts. I saved it on my computer and used a photo editor to increase the brightness and contrast about 20% each. Presto! You really are having great success!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=9291 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9291)
jpfloors
04-22-2008, 08:29 PM
Thanks Richard, that was a hard pic to take in my garage... plus most of the tiny seedlings I had just transplanted so there really wasn't much to see yet.
mskitty38583
04-22-2008, 10:19 PM
:bebe::bebe::bebe:. wahoo! new babies. congrats on these pretty little things!
Dean W.
04-23-2008, 01:09 PM
Looking good, you definetly have a green thumb. :woohoonaner:
Dean
JenRi
01-20-2009, 08:41 PM
Hey I know this is an old-ish thread but I'm thinking about setting up one of these for myself was wondering how long do/did you leave the heat on in a normal day?
I'd probably have a rather small germination station to start with...probably about a quarter the size of yours....what bulb wattage do you think i'd need for that?
thanks:)
Chironex
01-20-2009, 08:45 PM
Jen, the best research shows that germination is best for banana seeds if kept at 32 C (~90 F) for 4-6 hours. Then the remaining time they should be kept at 19C (~66 F) So I suggest a cool basement area or a closet in an unheated room. The ideal swing in temperatures should be as close to this as possible.
Good luck!
Tog Tan
01-21-2009, 08:49 AM
Hey I know this is an old-ish thread but I'm thinking about setting up one of these for myself was wondering how long do/did you leave the heat on in a normal day?
I'd probably have a rather small germination station to start with...probably about a quarter the size of yours....what bulb wattage do you think i'd need for that?
thanks:)
JenRi, I do quite a decent number of seeds a month as part of my seedling program. Wherever you may be, if you can have a temp of what Scot says, it should be ok. Though I live in the tropics, it may seem easier but I have mucho problems trying to do temperate species!
I chose spots in my nursery with a day temp of 90+F and 80F at night. Sds are sown into clear plastic boxes with a moist seed mix. Then the lid is kept on. Please do not forget to tag the details on the boxes such as date of sowing, species, etc. With viable sds most musa will sprout in a mth or so though some are more stubborn. With the lid on, there is no moisture lost and visually you can see if there is any progress through the clear boxes.
Once they sprout, I leave them in the box until they get taller than the height of the box. Do not be too impatient to pot them. Let them grow a while more in a humid environment by putting the box with the lid off in a clear zip lock bag. I usually let them grow to 4/5 leaves before potting them. In this way you can maintain a constant environment for them. Also, you don't have to worry about the watering whether its excessive or insufficient. I hope this helps. :ha:
Seeds are sown into clear plastic boxes and sealed. All you have to do is to look out for sprouts.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15326><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=15326&size=1 border=0></a>
As the sdlg grows, the lid is removed and the box put into a ziplock bag. This high humidity environment will allow the sdlg to grow further before potting.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15326><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=15327 border=0></a>
This is one the areas which have a good day/night temp for germination of sds.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=15328><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=15328&size=1 border=0></a>
mskitty38583
01-21-2009, 11:25 AM
ok now im sick....lol! i thought i had it bad! looks like i better get a move on. your place is my idea of heaven!!!!!!!!!!!
JenRi
01-22-2009, 03:11 PM
Chironex - thanks for that info, that makes me feel better about electricity bills!
TogTan - wow thats some collection, are they all banana plants?
I like your way, it seems a bit easier to fit into an already crowded room....I'm thinking i'll probably only germinate some blood banana seeds and the type that can produce bananas in england...is it cavendish? Do you think if I bought some Tupperware, a thermometer and some fairy lights I have a fair chance of success?
Thankyou
Chironex
01-22-2009, 03:16 PM
As far as Zebrina is concerned, I have read articles that they like it constantly warm. Like around 85-90 F
Banana seeds are unpredictable, some will germinate right away, others take their sweet time, some not at all. It is par for the course.
Tog Tan
01-25-2009, 04:15 AM
Chironex - thanks for that info, that makes me feel better about electricity bills!
TogTan - wow thats some collection, are they all banana plants?
I like your way, it seems a bit easier to fit into an already crowded room....I'm thinking i'll probably only germinate some blood banana seeds and the type that can produce bananas in england...is it cavendish? Do you think if I bought some Tupperware, a thermometer and some fairy lights I have a fair chance of success?
Thankyou
Hi JenRi,
Well, as long as you can provide the humidity and temp, viable sds will germinate, sooner or later! :ha:
Only the boxes have musa sds. I keep the palm sdlgs up top in their community boxes to adapt to the ambient environment before they are planted separately at my nursery. I have a seedling program of which I germinate at least 1,000 sds of various plants(mostly palms) monthly. Getting your sds from a reliable source is very important. I have bought from others in the past of which many batches had zero germn!
All the best to your 'germy' trials!
missg
03-08-2009, 06:47 PM
Tog Tan, I love your set-up for germinating bananas and other seeds. I have tried to grow Bananas in the pass with no success, now I understand why. I'm thinking about trying again.
I would like to ask you, what kind soil or what are you planning you seeds in. Once you put the seed in soil into the boxes do you place them under a grow light, are they on a heat mat.
I notice that you said, "Getting your sds from a reliable source is very important. I have bought from others in the past of which many batches had zero germn"! What would be a good company to buy seeds from. I thank you for any info you can give.
Gale
Tog Tan
03-09-2009, 02:23 AM
Tog Tan, I love your set-up for germinating bananas and other seeds. I have tried to grow Bananas in the pass with no success, now I understand why. I'm thinking about trying again.
I would like to ask you, what kind soil or what are you planning you seeds in. Once you put the seed in soil into the boxes do you place them under a grow light, are they on a heat mat.
I notice that you said, "Getting your sds from a reliable source is very important. I have bought from others in the past of which many batches had zero germn"! What would be a good company to buy seeds from. I thank you for any info you can give.
Gale
Gale, the two basics you need for germination of most seeds are humidity (80+%) and heat (approx 90+F - 100+F). In my case where I am, the ambient temp takes care of the heat I need. I maintain the humidity by having sealed boxes. If they are germinated with the open cell trays, the humidity is inconsistent.
Soil - I am no high tech guy. After observing how the 'naner sds germinate in the wild, I am convinced that if a seed is viable, it pops up anywhere given the right condition. I use any soil which is porous enough for the new roots to get in. You can use the normal seed starter mix. Moist but not wet. When you squeeze it, it should have a drop or two of water coming out.
Many seed sellers get big shipments of the stock from the suppliers who in turn take their time to achieve the stock before shipping. Seed wholesale is not lucrative and you have to sell alot to get decent money. This means many seeds are kept way too long before they finally reach the purchaser, you. Such lots, even if they are listed as fresh, just arrived, if you are lucky, you may get 3/100 and most of the time 0/100.
I check out my sources thoroughly before I buy. Not because of the $ spent but I really hate to waste my time waiting on duds! Currently I am only buying from Markus Senger of Germany.
Ueberwinden
03-09-2009, 11:21 AM
I have a banana seed source on the west coast I just placed a small order with ,I will let you know how it goes, they might turn out to be a good source of banana seed.
Michael
Kylie2x
03-11-2009, 04:20 PM
Tog!!! Move over I am movin in!!! Awesome!!!!
Kylie
Ueberwinden
03-11-2009, 04:44 PM
Kylie,
I have some of those seeds (the bananas right now) you sent me in coir right now and on a mat. I checked the temp inside the container last night and the coir temp was almost 100!! I lower the temp a little and will check it again when I get home tonight(I'm at work right now). I think 100 would roast them instead of germinate them.
Michael
Tog Tan
03-11-2009, 04:48 PM
Tog!!! Move over I am movin in!!! Awesome!!!!
Kylie
Oi Kylie, you better think twice, I have lots of plants but only 1 bed! :ha::ha::ha:
Here's what your basement looks like when you want every thing and don't plan accordingly. Actually I'm moving the banana/palm/ cardoon/agave....etc seeds upstairs this weekend to put over a heater on plastic"egg crate" used for ventilation.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=16076&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16076&ppuser=4095)
There's a heat mat under this mess and a small metal halide above. I've been doing tomatoes this way for 20 years with great success.
adrift
03-11-2009, 08:27 PM
Bob,
I admire Tog's organization, but must admit that my system is similar to yours.
KJ
Tog Tan
03-12-2009, 11:40 AM
Bob,
I admire Tog's organization, but must admit that my system is similar to yours.
KJ
Oi, me thinks it basically the results which you get that counts! I am using the rack which was originally my cacti growing rack. I didn't purposely get it done as a germination station. You guys are definitely on the right track.
Ueberwinden
03-13-2009, 02:55 PM
This is an update to my post earlier in the week about a possible West Coast Banana Seed supplier. My seeds arrived today in the mail, Shipping was quick. I received 11 Sikkimensis ordered 10, 10 Ensente Glaucum ordered 10, 12 Cheesmani ordered 10 and 8 Zebrina ordered none, you gotta love free banana seeds!! This was a trial order to see if this is a reliable banana seed supplier. They also offer lots of 100, 1,000 10,000 and 100,000 on some varieties of seed. So far I am impressed, but the true test is in how many will germinate. I'll let you know what happens. If all goes well they also carry Palm seeds,Succulent seeds, Cyads seed, and various other Tropical seeds.
Michael
missg
03-14-2009, 01:50 PM
Michael, Please keep us informed, if everything works out I will be placing a order.
Gale
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