Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:02 pm
Whether using purchased seeds or seeds from their own breeding, sowing canna is difficult, lengthy and requires effort. Compared to propagation by dividing the rhizomes, this method is less recommended.
It’s the groundwork that counts
Seeding is especially worthwhile for those who want to create new canna varieties. It starts with preparatory work, which is all about dexterity:
- Squeeze seeds into a pair of needle-nose pliers
- rub the side that is slightly recessed on sandpaper
- when the white interior becomes visible, stop the sanding process
Grinding the seeds is important. Without this procedure, it can take many months before the seeds germinate. Few people have this patience… After the seeds have been ground, at the latest at the beginning of January, they are placed in a warm water bath for 2 days. This stimulates the germination process. The germs sprout.
The seeds go into the soil
When the seeds have sprouted, they can be put into the soil. A coconut fiber potting soil, for example, is well suited. Otherwise, the soil should have the following properties:
- unfertilized
- low in nutrients
- loose
- permeable
- slightly
The seeds are placed 2 cm deep in the substrate. They are watered and kept moist during the following period. The minimum germination period is 6 days. It is best to place the pots or seed trays with the sprouts in a 20 to 25 °C warm room.
Pricking out the plantlets and planting them out
Once the flower cane has formed the first two leaves, it can be pricked out. Sort out the weak plantlets. You can plant the vigorous specimens in individual pots after 4 weeks, if you have not already done so. Place the plants in a sunny place, for example, on the balcony or windowsill.
If you want to plant the flower cane outdoors in May, make sure you use a nutrient-rich soil when planting . You are welcome to pre-fertilize the soil with compost.
Tips & Tricks
As an alternative to grinding, some growers resort to putting the seeds in the freezer or boiling them briefly with water. These two methods are also said to favor and accelerate the germination process.