ensete ventricosum questions
 

I just recieved my seeds today and the package said to nick them and then soak,well when I tried to nick one it split in two, so I went ahead and put the others in warm water to soak. I know nothing about growing these and really want them to grow for me. I've read some of the posts and I think I'm in trouble already, I dont have a heat mat or a way to keep them constantly warm. Am I in for a major let down??? Out of the 6 I bought, the one I spilt is floating as are 2 others. Any advice for this banana newbie. Thank you so much...
Christine

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Christine,

You don't have to nick or scarify the E-v seed.

Just soak it in water for at least 3 days. You can then sow them with normal moist seed mix into a clear plastic deli container.
After that close the lid to keep the humidity in.

If you do not have a heat mat, try to find a warm place like the top of your PC or behind a fridge or TV. The ideal temp would be around 90F.

Good viable sds will often sprout in 2 - 3 wks.

Please check the other germination Threads for more detail. All the best.

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Tog Tan, Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my post..
Christine

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Christine I had 2 germinate within 2 weeks at 79 degrees. I think I only planted about 5 or 6. Wow how'd you crack that seed they are really hard. To get one open I used a dremel and a power chisel. They do look cool inside don't they?

Michael

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Ensete ventricosum Seed Cracking Technique for beginners

1. Put seed between upper and lower molars (you can choose either side).

2. Clench your right hand into a fist.

3. Bring right hand to a swift upper cut to jaw.

4. Saliva with enzyme may help the crack seed.

Sorry Christine for doing this to your thread. I just had to get this guy. :ha:

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Thanks TT. Can't wait to learn the Advanced Technique!

Christine good luck with them seeds. Listen to Tog he knows what he's talking about. I just think they are awesome plants. Hope my seedling "Spot" grows up big and strong as Tog's plants. By the way do you know of a good dentist?

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Scarification may be useful on other seeds, but if you try it with Musa or Ensete seeds, you must sterilize the seed before scarification and then use sterile soil-less mix for germination. Tog's method is much easier. The key is getting ripe, fresh seed and then providing optimal temp and humidity throughout the germination period. Some banana seeds do better with alternating temps.

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Thanks for the laugh this morning Tog:ha: Sorry dont know of any good dentists in the Ohio area :ha:
Christine

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Christine, a mistake I made with the venticosum even though I was warned by Paulo and Tog was keeping the soil too wet. The seedlings do not like wet feet so think about preparing a planting media that is very well drained. I currently have my seedling planted in 1/2 perlite and 1/2 cactus mix. Maybe someone will chime in here with a better recipe. I had it planted in a mix of compost and perlite but it just held too much water and started crashing. I ended up planting in straight perlite till it pulled thru.


http://www.bananas.org/f30/ensete-ventricosum-6787.html

Michael

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Thank you Michael, I've become addicted already, the minute I saw the seeds in the catalog I just had to have one of these beauties, like I need another plant LOL.. The seed I cracked was very brittle so I'm guessing it was a dud. We shall see what happens over the next few weeks.
Christine

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Yep, Christine, I did crack many, many, many, many E-v duds between my fingers!

If you want a more manageable Ensete, go for the E superbum. You can have it in a huge pot and still able to wheel it in for winter. I have 3 1yr+ plants and I want more! I am still trying to get sds of this 'bum and when I do, I will ring ya :ha:

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Hey Ya'all, sorry I havent posted lately, I was having some puter problems and I've also been so busy getting my veggie & plant seeds started.
But I'm here now to say a BIG THANK YOU, I'm having a BANANA :woohoonaner: I was beyond excited this morning when I saw this little bit of green poking through the dirt, right now its only 1 out of the six that I started but thats fine by me. I never would have gotten one let alone 6 if it hadnt been for you wonderful banana junkies and your great advice :bananas_b
Thank you all again
Christine
(Nanna Mom To Be)

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Yo Christine, Congrats! Keep us posted of the finally tally. Remember to keep the baby's feet dry for the first couple of weeks. All d best! :goteam:

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Congratulations Mom! That is awesome. Out of about 30 EV seeds I have one seedling so your doing great. Keep us posted.

Michael

Re: ensete ventricosum questions
 

Congrats Christine!!!:woohoonaner: What a great feeling when you get one of these stinkers to germinate..:woohoonaner: