paw465

Okay, as a beginner and realising how long and eratic banana seed germination can be, will someone cheer me up by telling me what the shortest length of time they've had a banana seed germinate in? That's literally from popping it into the growing medium to the first sign of life.
More to the point what was it and how did you do it?
(Don't worry, your secret will be perfectly safe with me)
Paul

redtail_2006

When you find out paul will you tell me plz cos iv had sikkimensis seeds in for about 2 months nowmmmmmmmm.Must be the uk weather i guess.....daz

frankthetank

Please also inform me. I've got 200 Sikk seeds on the way and really wouldn't mind speeding up the process. This time of the year should be perfect for getting things started (humid/80's days/60's night). ???? Anyone?

MediaHound

I have honestly not experimented with many types of seed, but my Velutina have been known to sprout at about two weeks. Sometimes MUCH longer, though, I might add...
I soak them in water for about two days, then I plant them in my potting mix and leave them outside with the elements. No heating mat, no incubator.
If I get more into it, I might invest in some serious germination tools but for now it's just a real simple process. Less simple than I do with palm seeds..
I have a velutina seedling pic in my gallery that was taken about three weeks after planting and they are about 2" plants in the pic.

Tropicallvr

It seems like when seed is really fresh you can get germination in 2-3 weeks for some species.
I've had Ensete ventricosum & Ensete glaucum germinate in just under 2 weeks.
It seems to be more of a matter of getting ANY to germinate then getting them to germinate fast for some. I suggest buying 100 seeds, and having alot of paitence.
Easier seeds- balbisiana, veluntina, E.ventricosum, E.glaucum, E.superbum(indian form), Musa cheesmanii/nagesium, and maybe a few more.

the flying dutchman

Ensete Ventricosum was quick for me too. I think sikkimensis take longer
and is more difficult. Ensete perrierii will sprout when you have a long beard.

Ron

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paw465

Cheers for that gentlemen, although sitting here in the UK I must admit to being to being more than a little bit envious of those of you that don't need heat mats and talk about putting them straight outside (as Redtail hinted it's cold, damp and miserable here at the moment) I've got E.ventricosum, M.cheesmani and for my sins M.sikkimensis on the go at the moment so fingers crossed.
Anyway, to recap, the best so far are the Ensete ventricosum & glaucum at just under two weeks. Anyone beat that?
Paul

bigdog

I just had an Ensete superbum sprout yesterday after just over 3 weeks. Quickest one I've ever had by about a week. You gents waiting on M. sikkimensis to sprout should have plenty of patience! I've had some in a growth chamber at school since Feb. 26, and still no signs of life. Oh well... I did have three Musa formosana seeds sprout within a day of each other after over 3 1/2 months.

By the way, that UK weather you are talking about should be just fine for germinating M. sikkimensis. At least the night temps would be ok. If you put a plastic dome with a few holes over the top of your pots/flats, and set it out in filtered sun, that would bring the temperature up a bit without cooking the seeds.

M. balbisiana has been the easiest Musa to sprout for me, followed by M. velutina.

paw465

Bigdog, please tell me you're kidding about the UK weather being fine for Sikkimensis germination outside at the moment?
It's 1 o'clock pm (I live in SE England considered to be the warmest area) and the thermometer inside my outhouse is barely showing 57f. Outside the rain is torrential and has been off and on for ten days or so - on Monday it barely reached the low 50's during the day and some areas had frost during the night.
You're joking right????
Paul

bigdog

Yuck...ok, that is a bit cool, lol!

Kylie2x

Hey!!!
I had some Nag. seed that took about 4 1/2 mo.'s to germinate.. They did great for about a month.. Then came death!!! BOOHOO!!!
Kylie

sandy0225

The easy ones must be glaucum, velutina and cheesmanii, they even sprouted for me.
I've been notoriously bad at starting banana seeds. Even though I try everything, follow all the directions on here.
I guess I'm banana impaired, LOL

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