bananalover

I got two different kinds of strelitzia seeds and though I got instructions with them I would like to hear from other people on how they start these seeds.

MediaHound

Hmm never started birds of paradise from seed.
Mine were all purchased growing in containers.

bananalover

Since no one seemed to know anything about Strelitzia I thought I should tell you that I had one seed sprout and that they are basically just like sprouting bananas.

foil

I've germinated Strelitzia (Regina) this year, I didn't do anything special - just seed compost in the airing cupboard after soaking overnight. I had a couple of seeds in the greenhouse too, but no sign of life there - I suspect the wild temperature fluctuations were not helpful.

Here it is 3 months after sprouting, third leaf just forming :



Ade

bananalover

Since my last post on this thread I also had one seed from the other kind sprout so now I have on of each. Not exactly good 1 out of 5 seeds each but at least I got one of each. I did have a second one of one kind start to grow but it died off. At least I got one of each and they seem to be growing good.

jmilligan1976

Hey there.
I bought 200 Reginae seeds and 100 Nicolai to start this spring and had too much success!
I start with a soak in warm water and then place them into a gallon size ziploc with peat moss wet enough so you can only squeeze a few drops of water from it when compressed in your hand.
Simply seal it up (50 or so per 1/4 bag of peat) and keep in a warm place.
I kept mine in a window area where I start all of my banana, palm and other seeds BUT out of direct prolonged sunlight.
As you see the white roots forming and the spires shooting from the peat just gently remove the sprout, mist with a fungicide spray and pot in a small container (I use 12oz cups to start all of my seeds)
Once they spread their initial 2 leaves and develop their roots they are nearly impossible to kill as long as you keep them lightly fertilized and moist-fresh.
Good Luck!

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