When it blooms, the Strelitzia attracts everyone's attention. Once it has faded, many people are willing to quickly cut off the old flowers in the hope that new flowers will appear in no time. But if you want to harvest the seeds, you have to leave the flowers
How do you sow strelicia seeds correctly?
Strelizia seeds are pea-sized, black-brown and rounded, with a shiny surface and orange hairs. Before sowing, remove hairs, file seeds and soak in water for 1-2 days. Then sow 3 cm deep in warm, moist soil. Germination takes 90 to 110 days.
Seed ripeness: When the capsules burst
The seeds are ripe when the capsule fruit has dried and bursts open on its own. The capsule fruit opens and the seeds with the fine threads look out. A time cannot be specified for this, as the Strelitzia as a houseplant can bloom at different times. Alternatively, you can buy the seeds from specialist retailers.
Seed characteristics
The seeds of the parrot flower have the following characteristics:
- pea-sized (diameter from 0.8 to 1 cm)
- black brown to black
- glossy and smooth surface
- plump
- have wax layer on the surface (can be removed with hot water)
- with tufts of orange hairs
- Dark Germ
- need a lot of heat to germinate
Germinability: Patience is a virtue
Anyone who dares to sow should be aware that many weeks and even months can pass before germination. With a lot of luck, germination will take place within 3 weeks. If you're a little less lucky, it can take up to 8 months.
On average, these seeds take 90 to 110 days to germinate. Their germination capacity is considered irregular and moderately good. It takes 4 to 6 years for the first flowering
Sowing the seeds
The seeds can be used to propagate the Strelitzia. Growing this plant from seeds is more complicated than with other plants, but it is possible with the right background knowledge.
How to do it:
- Remove hairs on seeds
- Carefully file the seeds (until the black layer is removed)
- Soak in water for 1 to 2 days
- Sow 3 cm deep
- place in a warm place between 24 and 30 °C
- keep moist
Tip
The seedlings of the parrot flower are extremely sensitive to cold during the first half of their life. Therefore, you should not put them outside at first.
