Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Randy's corner in the basement with the seeds I got from him.

12 Manihot Grahamii seeds and 30 Velutina seeds.

14 hours at about 80F
10 hours at about 60F

I still have about 50 Velutina seeds left.

Trying to germinate VELUTINA for the elevententh time
 

Randy--put 60 seeds to soak from wednesday nite last. Over the week end I bought 1 bag germinating mix--which is really just top soil,peat moss, and sand.
Today I separated them 60 seeds into four batches of 15 each.

One batch i put into small ziplock baggie with just moist paper towel (no soil). Put this baggie on my computer table under my reading lamp.

One batch i put in another ziplock with germinating mix--place this baggie outside for mother nature to play with

One batch i put into small plastic container about the size of a ice cream container with germinating mix. Put this container under my reading lamp on the computer table.

Last batch i put into another plastic container and place in my bedroom which really should be at room temperature.

Will update y'all when something happens.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

hi Randy.I found your post.My SIL(sister in law) is excited we will be growing seeds.after I treat she gets her share...she says she'll kill them...unless the iguana beats her to that. :2741:

where's beachgirl????you tossed your seeds on ground?what month did you do that?I'm thinking of wintersowing some.

The post has been nice read.even the techinical stuff that had me looking at temp on wall converting C to F

I'm looking forward to the experiment.I'm glad to hear they are not blendered this year...but wondered if was bananan daquri's :waving:

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

I started 50 seeds. I soaked
30 in plain tap water overnight and sowed in a seed starting medium;
10 were soaked in liquid smoke overnight and sowed in same medium;
10 were soaked in seaweed water overnight and sowed the same.

All were placed on a heating pad in the kitchen.

The next batch I will just sow and place in the greenhouse for the winter where, hopefully the temps do not drop below 55 F.

If even half of these sprout, I have plenty of little bananas to spread about the country.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Okay, Bill, gotta ask... Why soak in liquid smoke? Never heard of this before and my curiosity got the best of me...

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Ah well - liquid smoke might work like the stuff they sell to help germinate seeds that normally need fire to start them off - like Cape feinbos and proteas in South Africa, some Australian trees and shrubs, and I believe the North American Redwood. Never thought of it myself but it might work.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

You are right island cassie. While I researching banana seed germination, I came across a few sites that where selling smoke primer to enhance germination with hard to germinate seeds. My understanding is that the smoke simulates a forest fire and triggers the seeds to come out of dormancy. I am not sure whether it works. But Randy was so generous with the seeds, I have more than enough to conduct a few experiments. I will update with any success or failures.

Bill

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Good luck with the experiment Bill - it will be very interesting to see if the liquid smoke makes a difference. From time to time we can get it here, and would be very useful for the stubborn critters!

Cassie

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

I have never heard of using liquid smoke before. Sounds very interesting, curious of what the results will be.

Dean

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

I have about 50 sabal minor seeds for you.Picked them for you yesterday.Will mail to you this week.Arkansas pays a visit this week.You know what that means.:waving:

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Hello neighbor!!!
E-mail me your address and I will send out the velutina seeds I have been saving for ya. As far as TN Vols go, hey, it was fun being on top of the SEC East while it lasted!!!
Randy
:bananas_b

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Randy;
I got about 140 seeds this morning. Thank you again.

This time I am going to try the following:
about 17 seeds-moist pre-chilled(3 weeks fridge)/soaked 3 days/moist vermiculite
** pre-chill is now 8 weeks**
about 17 seeds- pre-chilled/soaked 3 days/moist unsterile potting soil

17 seeds- pre-chilled/moist vermiculite

17 seeds- pre-chilled/moist potting soil

17 seeds-soaked 3 days/moist vermiculite

17 seeds-soaked 3 days/moist potting soil

17 seeds-moist vermiculite

17 seeds-moist potting soil.

All will be given variable heat 12 hrs/12hrs getting as close to 12* C/ 35* C (45* F/ 90* F) as I can get.
** heat is 15/9 hrs and 33 C/20 C**
I look forward to greater success than last year.

Allen

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Hey all,
I finally had to give a few seeds a try myself. They have been started for only about a week now, but I will let you know how it goes. I only tried about 12 seeds. Anyway, I just happened to think, has anyone tried cold stratification with any of the seeds? I happened to remember last year, after I sent out the first group of seeds that I put the remaining ones in my refrigerator until about the end of January. That would have been about 2-3 months in the fridge before I got them out and gave them away and potted a few up as a trial. I had about 4 germinate from about 10 seeds. More would have probably germinated, but I did not wait to see. I simply wanted to make sure the seeds were viable.
This was just a thought and wanted to throw it out there if anyone had any left to try this with. Don't forget to keep this thread alive when you have results to share...
Take care all,
Randy
:2691: :2691: :2691: :twonanners: :bananajoy: :twonanners: :2691: :2691: :2691:

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

I'll keep you informed Randy:) Nothing here yet.



Ron

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Randy,

Still patiently waiting for any sign of life.

Dean

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

iam still watching and waiting also. magicgreen

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

I have had no results yet excluding having a 'weed' germinate in one of the unsterile baggies.

I have decided to extend the pre-chill period to 8 weeks.

My variable heat will be 15hrs/9hrs with temperatures of 33 C/20 C.

Allen

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

not a thing yet (as far as sprouts go)... however I have noticed that some have started to swell... at least I think I am not imagining it.... you never know with me though.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Randy,

I have some velutina seeds that I planted fresh from the plant back in the spring that still have not sprouted. The rest I put in the freezer. Maybe I should try some of them this spring. I STILL have 6 M. sikkimenisis seeds that were sown back in Feb. after soaking in water for 24 hours...still nothing. Both the velutina and sikkimensis seeds are outside in pots and will remain so through winter. Hopefully there will be some sign of activity next spring.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Does anyone no where velutinas originate from? Maybe, the climatic conditions of that geographic area could help us some.

Dean

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

I check everyday, but still no sign of life. I still have a few seed left, I think I might try a cold stratification.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

The M. velutina is from the state of Assam in North East India. It is probably the same banana as M. dasycarpa Kurz.

Assam is one of the larger states and covers a variety of climate conditions. N. central Assam produces Sugar Cane while North East Assam produces oil seeds and rice. The average temperature in August is 84 F/29 C and in January is 61 F/16 C. There is no hot dry summer season.

I just found an article on rhodoclamys varieties of Musa. The maps from the late 1800s seem quite a bit different in comparison with current maps. I'll post more later.

Allen

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

With further research it appears that M. velutina was originally found in upper Assam state as well as the Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh state in North East India.

This is the lower Himalaya and moderate Himalaya mountain area. The climate varies with the elevation from moist subtropical to temperate. The temperatures in my previous post would be a maximum for the species with a minimum of as low as 66 F/19 C for summer and 43 F/6 C for winter.

As useless information, the M. sanguinea was found at higher elevations than the M. velutina. I haven't heard of that variety before.

Allen

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Allen,
That is very interesting information. If you can, would it be possible to either post the link to this information. I would like to learn more about the origins of the velutina. Thanks for sharing the info you gave us thus far...
Randy
:woohoonaner:

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Here are some of the websites that I looked at to get the info.
"www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drc/mvelutina.htm" for plant history

"bananas.bioversityinternational.org/files/files/pdf/publications/focusen_rhodochlampys.pdf" for subspecies info

"www.mapsofindia.com" to find out information on the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

Googling Musa velutina/ Musa dasycarpa Kurz/ Assam India also found a number of other sites that were less helpful.

Allen

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Allen,
Thanks so much for sharing your information that you gathered. I am sure it will make for some interesting reading.... Take care

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Allen,

Thanks for sharing the information. That would give some credence to cold stratification.

Dean

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Update!





I had about 50% of the seeds (12 seeds) of location 1 group 2 germinate!
These where nonscarified and in the terrarium. They were in a plastic bag and places in a moist paper towel.
These seeds have temps ranging from 80F-85F during the day, and cool off to mid 60's at night. They receive light from overhead for 14hrs, and they get sun through a window in the morning that helps heat the tank.

No other seeds show any sign of life. All the scarified seeds keep trying to mold over, from both locations, so I believe scarification is unnecessary and causes more problems than it's helps.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Go BGreen, it's your birthday!!!! it's your birthday!!! However, it goes, that is whay my 6 year old says with a little dance when she sees my hyped about something... Anyway, that is way too cool!!! Sure hope everyone that is in on this little trial, sees this. I am just glad to see that someone is having success...
How long did it take til germination? Thanks so much for the update...
Randy

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

THAT IS TOO KOOL! :2791:. randy4ut, the lil nanna is doing the dance for "its your birthday"

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Seed started soaking on the Oct 14, set up on Oct 16.
First check with germination results Nov 18
So 36 days from start of soaking.

:bebe::bebe::bebe::bebe::bebe::bebe::bebe:
:banana_pi

Thank you Randy for the Seeds!
I will post more results as they present themselves.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Congratulations Ben, you proud papa.:bebe:

Allen

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

oh so lucky:2212:

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

I recieved my seeds a couple days ago. They were soaked in warm water in a cup on top of the fridge. Half were planted after two days soak the other half will be planted after 4 days of soak. Rinsed in warm water before planting. They were planted in plug trays with 50% coco mix and 50% organic seed started mix(contains peat).They are sitting in a warm spot by day... cooler at night...so now we wait.

thank you Randy for the seeds... this is great fun to all be doing this

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Congratulations, BGreen! I look forward to having mine sprout.:0489:

Dean

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Thank you guys.

Nov 27 update:
10 of the 11 seeds have pushed through the soil surface.
2 more seeds have sprouted and 1 has lost it's plug (should see roots in a few days?!?!)
I'm going to have to get some more lights.
:santananer: :santananer:





Oh, the new sprouts are from the same group.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

You sure are showing the rest of us up, Ben... Maybe we should all just send you our seeds and have you germinate them for us. But then again, I guess the fun of all this is to say "I did it!!! " Way to go, my friend!!!
Randy

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Well they really like that one spot!
They others haven't shown any sign of life yet.
I did move 3 other banana seeds into the tank, they are going on 6 months now with only 1 germinating.
If the other take off I will have to pay really close attention to what is exactly going on in that tank.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Ben, under what conditions are your seeds? Inside, lighting, Heat etc.
Thanks!

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Ben,

Looking good!!!:2720:

Dean

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Started velutina seeds one week ago wrapped in a ziplock bag with a wet napkin. They are about five feet away from metal halide 1000watt lights and on a heating pad with a buffer between the pad and the bag. Keeping my fingers crossed.:nanabath:

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Hey Andy good luck!

I see your in Lee Summit only about an hour east of me.
There is a great nursery out your way. Heartland, it is worth a visit in the spring.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Truely awesome forum ...glad I found it.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Heartland nursery is just down the highway from me. It is fun to go there when they have all their tomato and pepper plants out.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Ok sorry for the delay randy, i put

10 in direrct potting soil next to the water heater
10 in direct potting soil and inside a Baggie inside the fridge
10 in a baggie with a coffe filter next to my computer under a lamp
72 in direct potting soil outside under a tree getting water every other day when the soil is looking dry :D

Will post the different results i get :D and thanks for the seeds randy im sure they will all germ :D :twonanners:

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Hi Randy,
I'm Puiu from Romania.I recived form Ron some velutina seeds, and he told me that in fact the seeds are from you!Ok I put them in water for 48 hours, and yesterday after 26 days I got the first 2 seedlings.The temperature in my room is constant about 24 Celsius degrees( 75,2F), and the soil was moist all this time, and I placed the pot in a sunny place.Thank you verry much , I'm verry happy now!!!!I have to tell you and all others, that in the same day of 13 November when I planted the seeds of M Velutina, I planted some M.Sikkimensis seeds , too and today after 27day I discovered the first baby Sikkimensis!!!!I'm a lucky guy!Dear Randy , thank you verry much for the seeds!
Best regards,
Puiu from Timisoara, Romania

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

Way to go!!!!, PUIU!!!!
It is so great to hear from you... I appreciate you posting your results and look forward to hearing from you as they grow and develop. A special thanks must also go out to Ron for his generousity... Best of luck to you and you are more than welcome!!!
Randy

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

OKAY, everyone... Some of you have to have some germinated that haven't posted results yet. I decided to try my hand at it and soaked some seeds in warm water for 2 days, changing water about 4 times. Afterward, I potted the seeds up in a soilless mix and placed the pot in a baggie. The baggie has been sitting on a shelf in my laundry room with all my other seeds that I am trying to germinate. The shelf is in front of a south facing window and extra warmth from the laundry room. Well, I went up to check all my seeds this evening and found two had germinated!!! Now, honestly there has to be others out there that have gotten seeds that have some germinated and not reporting it??? Please, everyone that reads this, go take a look and let me know if anyone else has any surprises!!!! Here is a couple of pics I thougt I would share...
Here is a pic of the method I used...


Sorry this one is a bit blurry:


Here is a better one:

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

I still haven't planted the ones you sent to me last year, but yours look good. When I plant them, I'll use your method unless someone comes up with something different.

Re: OK>>>> Seeds are ready on the velutina!!!
 

BTW look at my temp asap....isn't it weird??! :) 66* in Winter or is it Fall? I'd say its Summer.