When it blooms, it draws everyone's attention, the Strelitzia. Once it has faded, many 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 alone…

After flowering, the seeds can be collected

Seed maturity: when the capsules burst open

The seeds are ripe when the capsule fruit has dried up and bursts open by itself. The capsule fruit opens and the seeds with the fine threads look out. A time cannot be given for this, since the Strelitzia as a houseplant can bloom at different times. Alternatively, you can buy the seeds from specialist retailers.

Characteristics of the seeds

The seeds of the parrot flower have the following characteristics:

  • pea-sized (diameter from 0.8 to 1 cm)
  • black-brown to black
  • shiny and smooth surface
  • plump
  • have a layer of wax on the surface (can be removed with hot water)
  • provided in tufts with orange colored hairs
  • dark germs
  • need a lot of heat to germinate

Germination: 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 succeed within 3 weeks. With a little less luck it can take up to 8 months.

On average, these seeds take 90 to 110 days to germinate. Their ability to germinate is irregular and moderately good. It takes 4 to 6 years until the first flowering…

Sow the seeds

The seeds can be used to propagate the Strelitzia. Growing this plant from seeds is more complex than with other plants, but it is possible with the right background knowledge.

That is how it goes:

  • Remove hairs on the seeds
  • File seeds carefully (until the black layer is removed)
  • Soak in water for 1 to 2 days
  • Sow 3 cm deep
  • place in a warm place at 24 to 30 °C
  • keep moist

tips

The first half year of life the seedlings of the parrot flower are extremely sensitive to cold. Therefore, it is better not to put them outside for the time being.

Category:

Indoor plants