Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

OK, I know you guys in the US can just order Heliconia rhizomes and everyone's happy, no need for seed...however for those of us who have to rely on seed as our only source of Heliconiaceae I thought this thread would be useful.

I am a glutton for punishment and would like to venture into the primordial world of this tropical monocot.

Is there any of you who have germinated Heliconias from seed, if so how did you do it?

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

Thanks Sunfish, I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I've read that one already. I was looking for people's actual experiences, much like germinating banana seeds used to be in the early stages of this site.

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

Well lets see if you get any

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

I'm the one who replied on seeds of heliconias, and they take 1-3 months to germinate in hothouse. To germinate, they need temperature of 25-30oC, plus watering to keep mix wet (not too much water or too wet).
They take 3 years to flower if raised from seeds.

Clinton.

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

It is worth the wait,
they are very pretty and somewhat of a way to gather more for the landscape.

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

So what is different from germinating Heliconia seed and other seed ?

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

Hi sunfish 176496,
I can't see the reason you were asking me.

Clinton.

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

Not really directed at you
Anyone can answer

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

Same reasons banana seeds are difficult, hard coat, dormancy, take a long time to germinate, lack of fresh seed. You know the drill.

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

Yes I know what you are saying.The same is said about palm and passion vine seed.

Re: Germinating Heliconia Seeds
 

Are there threads about germinating those too? If not let's start them, bring it on 'Enclyclopedia Germinatica'.