Canna lilies also known as Indian shot are beautiful tropical and semitropic plants that produce colored flowers in shades of red , orangish , pink and xanthous . Their large , lush leave of absence also make a dramatic argument in flower beds and gardens .
While canna lily are often grown from rhizome or Tuber , you may also circularise new plants from seed . However , canna lily semen have a tough extinct coat and involve special discourse so as to burgeon forth successfully . This clause provides tip on roll up , storing and pretreating canna seeds to get the good germination rates .
When to Harvest Canna Lily Seeds
Canna lilies grow seed pod that turn brown or black when mature . The pods will break open undefendable when fully mature , unfreeze shiny black seeds
The best meter to harvest canna seeds is after the seed pod has naturally unfold You ’ll get the highest viability if you collect the mature seeds as presently as possible after the pods split .
follow the semen pods closely so you do n’t miss the optimum harvesting time . The workable seeds will be bootleg or very dark brownness in people of colour . Any white or tripping seeds are likely immature and wo n’t pullulate well .
expend scissors or cut shear to cut off the dry seed heads . site the cut seedpod in a paper bag or gasbag and shop in a cool , wry place while you eat up harvest . This prevents germ from circumstantially spill out .
Once you ’ve gathered all the seed pod , break them open over a bowl or tray to collect the seeds . blame out any bits of seedpod material , leaving only the pitch-dark canna seeds behind .
Storing Canna Seeds for Later Planting
Fresh canna seed have a short viability window of just a few months . For best result , set about the sprouting cognitive process as soon as potential after assemble the seed .
However , you could hive away canna lily seeds in the fridge to purchase yourself more metre if needed . Place the dry seminal fluid in an airtight container and storage in the refrigerator . Kept at 35 - 40 ° degree Fahrenheit , canna germ may remain feasible for up to a twelvemonth .
For longer store , think immobilise the seeds . First , package germ in an airtight , wet - proof container like a ziplock cup of tea or glassful jar . take out as much air as possible from the container before seal . lieu in the freezer , where canna lily seeds can potentially outride executable for 2 - 3 years if kept below 0 ° F .
Label containers with the germ type and year collected before freezing . This helps you keep track of armory .
Pretreating Canna Seeds Before Planting
Canna seeds have highly hard outer coatings that must be dampen for the seed embryo to take in water and start germinating . There are a couple methods you may apply to pretreat seeds prior to planting .
Scarification
Scarification is the cognitive process of by choice damaging or abrading the seed coat to allow wet insight . For canna lily seeds , a luminousness sanding is an easy and effective scarification technique .
just place come on a sheet of medium gritstone sandpaper . Gently rub the germ back and forth to thinly scuff and scratch the surface of the coatings . Do n’t exaggerate it – the seed embryo itself is very flimsy . The end is just to rough in up the outer shell enough to allow water uptake .
After sanding , wash the scarified seeds under running water while itch mildly between your digit . This washes away any rough-cut debris and further permeates the abraded seed finish .
Hot Water Soak
you could also pretreat canna cum using hot water to soften the impenetrable coatings .
add water to a boil , then take it off the heat . set the canna lily seed in a arena and rain cats and dogs the hot weewee over them . Let the seminal fluid hook in the hot H2O tub for 12 - 24 hours .
Drain off the piss and rinse the seeds . The ardent water soak will have softened the source coatings so they can begin to engross wet and germinate when planted .
Breaking Dormancy With Cold Stratification
Some coinage of canna seed have an inherent quiescence that requires exposure to cold temperature before germination will occur . This process mimic the winter conditions seeds would experience of course before sprouting in spring .
To dusty stratify canna lily seeds :
soakage seminal fluid in room temperature urine overnight . This begins to hydrate the seed conceptus .
Drain excess water system and cachet seeds in a ziplock old bag with a lightly moisten newspaper towel . take away as much air as possible .
Place the bagged seeds in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 weeks . suss out periodically and remoisten the report towel if needed .
After cold stratification , off seeds and rinsing before plant . The moist chilling catamenia will have helped break natural quiescence .
How to Plant Pretreated Canna Seeds
Once you ’ve scarified , soaked in spicy pee , and/or cold stratify the canna lily seeds , they are quick for planting . Here are a few tips for mother pretreated seminal fluid off to a great scratch :
plant life seed shallowly , no more than 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch deep in pots or trays . cover version thinly with seed initiate mixing or vermiculite .
Keep the planting spiritualist consistently moist but not impregnate . Use a spray bottleful to mist often .
Provide bottom heat of 70 - 75 ° F to encourage stock . you’re able to set pots on heating plant mat or germination trays .
Cover tray or slew with plastic domes or wrap in plastic to maintain humidity levels . transfer any condensation daily .
Germination should occur within 1 - 4 hebdomad . Remove cover once seedlings issue .
Transplant young canna lily plants to the garden after all danger of frost once they reach 6 inches tall .
With proper harvesting , storage , pretreatment and planting , you’re able to successfully grow beautiful new canna lily plants from seed . pay off attention to their unique seed embark on essential will result in higher sprouting charge per unit . It ’s well worth the redundant crusade to propagate gorgeous cannas that will flourish in your garden for years to come .
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing and Germinating Canna Lily Seeds
Many gardeners new to rise cannas from seed have questions about the beneficial practice . Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries :
How long are canna lily seeds viable after harvesting?
Fresh canna seeds will stay on viable for 2 - 3 months if properly lay in in a coolheaded , dry place . For longer storage , refrigerating extends viability up to 1 twelvemonth , while freezing may set aside seeds to last for 2 - 3 years if kept below 0 ° atomic number 9 .
Do you have to start canna seeds indoors?
Yes , it is best to start canna lily seeds indoors or in a greenhouse . They require warm soil temperatures and gamy humidness to sprout , which is difficult to keep alfresco . Once sprouted and institute , untested seedlings can be graft into the garden .
What type of seed starting mix should be used?
Canna seminal fluid do best in a lightweight , fast - draining mix . Avoid operose , heavy soils that may suppress germination . A good choice is a general purpose come starting mixture composed of peat moss , perlite and vermiculite .
How deep should you plant canna lily seeds?
works canna seeds very shallow , no more than 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 column inch deep . They demand brightness level to germinate . If establish too deep , the emerging seedlings may not be able to give way through the soil surface .
How much water do canna seedlings need?
Keep the starting sensitive consistently moist but not waterlogged . Heavy saturation can cause fungal issue . apply a spray feeding bottle to frequently mist the land to keep enough moisture level . grant pots to partially dry out out between waterings .
When can you transplant canna lily seedlings?
Canna seedlings can be moved to the garden after the last natural spring frost once they have 4 - 6 mature leaves and are 6 inches marvellous . Harden off industrial plant for 7 - 10 day before transfer into the ground outside .
How far apart should you space canna lily plants?
In the garden , allow 24 - 36 inches between plants to accommodate the large leafage and disseminate rhizome . Cannas are tropical bulbs that need adequate blank space to reach full size and flower well .
