Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

I think that this post will help us all to see how important is to get seeds to germination after harvest as soon as possiblle and how that affects on germination time and sprouting rates.
I recived M. Balbisiana seeds from prof. Markku Hakkinnen on 11. Nov., right after his return back home from banana research in China.
He allready posted few pictures of plants and fruits he collected in Tombiguan nature reserve Park






I soaked the seeds for four days and place them in germination box.
TWO WEEKS later first several Balbisiana seeds allready sprouted!

:woohoonaner:

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Banana seeds are going to dormant quite soon after harvest. So in that respects the fresh seeds are germinating fast. However, the dormant seeds are viable for several years depending on storage. The seeds can germinate if they have some 15 % moisture left. The old seeds germination is very irregular. The longest time was in my seed tests 2-years.
Markku.

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

i really appreciate all who post on their methods and experiences in
germinating seeds !! thanks !!
seems common experience of sucess in germinating seeds is starting
with fresh or next to fresh seeds..and "properly stored" seeds..
i guess that will be one of my challenges in my experimenting..
getting the freshest seed i can..
ive been buying from a guy on ebay..in georgia.. havent had seed germinate yet..but
im just a newbie..and seed have only been started couple weeks..so..
but thats the fun isnt it..when we do have sucess..its like winning the lotto..
:)
again..thanks to all... happy holidays..

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Nice Ante!:08:

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Here are some after 10 days

:woohoonaner:

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Help help help help help.

I'm completely new to growing. I've just received some seeds ( MUSA balbisiana ) through ebay which come with instructions saying I need to to:

Soak the seeds for 3 days in tepid water that has been boiled.

Remove the orange tuft BEFORE soaking them( what the hell is it talking about?? ) these seeds are brown nugget shaped things.

Is this right or wrong?

I've seen on the net instructions where bleach is used. That can't be right surely(?)

Help help help. pleeeeease.

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Hi,
The normal tap water is okay for soaking.
If the is some flesh remaining on seeds the it is good to remove it.
It is not necessary to use any bleach.
The speed of germination depends on how old the seeds are.
Markku.

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Phewww thank god for that.:woohoonaner:

I assume once I've soaked them for 48 hours I place the seeds in propagator in a dark place, then play the waiting game.

( why on earth would anyone even think of using bleach??? )

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

My guess is that they are the same instructions they are giving for Strelitzia reginae seeds, which have a very conspicuous "orange tuft".

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Ahhh I see. Well they definitely come with an orange afro so I suppose I'm half way there.:ha:

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Give that guy negative feedback than. U dont have banana seeds :(

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

That's not filling me with confidence. They're hard shaped nugget looking things. They're the 2nd lot I've order from different ebay supplier and look identical.

Think I'll have a look on here for a half decent supplier. Any recommendations ( in the UK )?

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Try some certifyed seed sellers, out of the ebay.
U can see in pics below how actual banana seeds looks like.

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

Here's the ebay ad:

15 Musa Sikkimensis seeds: HARDY BANANA on eBay (end time 18-Dec-10 19:03:45 GMT)

Re: Fresh seeds - germination guaranteed
 

:nanadrink: