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View Full Version : How would I germinate a banana seed?...


The Hollyberry Lady
05-23-2009, 08:36 AM
I am new to this forum, as well as this banana growing. In fact I don't even have a banana plant, or seeds! I have placed an ad though, hoping someone could help me get started with an ornamental variety that grows great in containers - still waiting for replies.

In the meantime though, I am curious how exactly I would germinate these banana seeds, if I were to obtain some...

: )

just j
05-23-2009, 09:22 AM
i soak mne over night and plant them keep them moist and soil warm and they might come up in a month or so

The Hollyberry Lady
05-23-2009, 10:07 AM
Thanks Just J!

I have a heat mat, so keeping things warm will not be problem. I am also pretty experienced at germinating seeds, so I am optimistic I can get them to pop.

I do hope someone might be kind enough to share some of their seeds with me, so I can get in on the mania! I love to grow everything from seed, and your seedlings are beautiful Just J - so green and healthy looking.

Thank you for the information.

: )

The Hollyberry Lady
05-28-2009, 12:09 AM
I've never even seen a banana seed before, but was also wondering how deep to sow them? Will I need to nick the seed at all, before soaking them over night?

I could possibly be getting some seeds from someone on this forum, but they said they are 4 years old! Is it still possible to get lucky, and get a sprout from seeds that old? All I need is one.

: )

chong
05-28-2009, 01:34 AM
I've never even seen a banana seed before, but was also wondering how deep to sow them? Will I need to nick the seed at all, before soaking them over night?

I could possibly be getting some seeds from someone on this forum, but they said they are 4 years old! Is it still possible to get lucky, and get a sprout from seeds that old? All I need is one.

: )

I don't know about 4 year old seeds. If they're papaya seeds, I know that they can be fine, depending on how they've been stored. But for bananas, I don't know how long they are viable.

I'm expecting some banana seeds, though they're not ornamentals. One type is M. Helen's Hybrid and the other is the M. Katali (less than 10% seeds in the fruit and very sweet). I'd be happy to send you some when I get them, since it looks like you're already well equipped to get them started. I just got an email today that they will mail them tomorrow, and I expect them in a couple of weeks. PM me with the address to send them to if you're interested.

Chong

The Hollyberry Lady
05-28-2009, 08:18 AM
Wow - that's so nice of you Chong! I sure appreciate it. I will send you a pm with my address. Also, if you tell me what you like to grow - veggies, flowers, herbs, or fruits, I can mail you some surprises of my best.

Thank you for your kindness.

: )

palexxxx
05-28-2009, 09:22 PM
Thanks Just J!

I have a heat mat, so keeping things warm will not be problem. I am also pretty experienced at germinating seeds, so I am optimistic I can get them to pop.

I do hope someone might be kind enough to share some of their seeds with me, so I can get in on the mania! I love to grow everything from seed, and your seedlings are beautiful Just J - so green and healthy looking.

Thank you for the information.

: )

I don't have any seeds myself but I have seen some for sale on eBay from various sellers in France, Thailand and the USA.
Here are some links for some of them.
* MUSA LATERITA - BRONZE BANANA * RARE!! SEEDS - eBay (item 190309503997 end time May-29-09 09:34:52 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/MUSA-LATERITA-BRONZE-BANANA-RARE-SEEDS_W0QQitemZ190309503997QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0 ?hash=item2c4f5493fd&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C3 01%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)
Dwarf Pink Banana Seeds - Musa Velutina - eBay (item 260415429819 end time May-29-09 14:18:49 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Dwarf-Pink-Banana-Seeds-Musa-Velutina_W0QQitemZ260415429819QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomai n_0?hash=item3ca1f81cbb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C3 01%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)
MUSA VELUTINA LIVE PLANT BABY PINK VELVET BANANA - eBay (item 370203656887 end time Jun-18-09 05:09:09 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/MUSA-VELUTINA-LIVE-PLANT-BABY-PINK-VELVET-BANANA_W0QQitemZ370203656887QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_ 0?hash=item5631db82b7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C3 01%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)
BANANA - MUSA ROYAL PURPLE 10 seeds - eBay (item 120336320952 end time Jun-16-09 14:19:35 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/BANANA-MUSA-ROYAL-PURPLE-10-seeds_W0QQitemZ120336320952QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0 ?hash=item1c049a89b8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C3 01%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)

I hope this helps. There seems to be many ornamental banana seeds available in the US

The Hollyberry Lady
05-28-2009, 10:02 PM
Thank you for the links.

: )

Chironex
05-29-2009, 02:02 AM
I have a lot of seeds. I will try to remember to stick some in with your pup when I send it.
Check out Mr Bungalows video on youtube. There is a link in the germination forum. Also, Tog Tan has an easy method. Either way, it is difficult and can take quite some time. Other times, it can surprise you and sprout quickly. One never knows for sure. I have had some sprout after 6 months or more. Patience is the key.

jmoore
05-29-2009, 03:19 AM
Mr Bungalow's video has been removed from you tube, I've been wanting to watch it myself.

The Hollyberry Lady
05-29-2009, 08:08 AM
Although germinating banana seeds will be all new to me - I have been sprouting seeds for over 6 years now, and can get some of the most difficult types of seeds to pop. I am optimistic that I might be successful. I will be very patient, yes.

Thanks so much Chironex.

: )

The Hollyberry Lady
06-09-2009, 07:53 PM
Well folks, I finally got my hands on some banana seeds!!! Musa Velutina, I mean Dasycarpa. It looks so cool. I've got the seeds soaking in water now.

It was recommended for me to soak these particular seeds for 5 days, instead of one, because they are nearly 4 years old! I am determined to get just one to pop. Wish me luck.

: )

Michael_Andrew
06-09-2009, 08:46 PM
Good Luck Holly!

Michael

CValentine
06-09-2009, 10:03 PM
Good Luck Holly!

I love the look of the Dasycarpa!!
Pink Bananas...the kids saw them at a neighbors, when we got home, they looked them up on the computer.
Keep us posted!! :) ~Cheryl

The Hollyberry Lady
06-09-2009, 10:26 PM
I am an absolute picture nut, so you'll see lots of peeks. Yes, the pink bananas look so ornamental - exactly what I wanted!

Do you know if I bring it inside over winter, and provide it with supplemental HID lighting, if it will produce fruits indoors? There won't be enough time before frost hits, for the plant to produce fruits outdoors unfortunately.

I am told this variety produces fruits in 10 months.

: )

ewitte
06-17-2009, 02:43 PM
Do you have a monkey to feed them too? Its supposed to help germination ;)