DG Site Updates: Request for new forum...CANNA (pretty please?), 1 by WUVIE

WUVIE wrote:
Hi Benjamin,

Here's a quick run-down on growing Canna from seeds. Someone else may very well come along and chime in the way they do it, which would be great, that way we will have different methods on this thread for newbies to try.

Please note there are many ways to germinate Canna. This version is how I do it
with great results. You may need to experiment with varied methods to find what works best for you.

Canna produce very hard coated seeds which strongly resemble rabbit or goat droppings. Don’t ask me how I realized this comparison. This coating will need to be scarified, or nicked, in order for the seedling to emerge. Sure, it happens in nature, but not all of us are so patient. Sanding the seed coating just a bit speeds up the process, and if started early enough, you will see blooms from that very seed the same year! Or you can just soak them and wait. And wait. And wait some more.

Okay, so we're going to need a bit of sanding. As you hold a Canna seed between your fingers and look closely, you may notice one end has a dark and / or flat spot. Don't see it? Look closer. Use a pair of Robo-Grips or other tool to firmly hold the seed, but not so strong that you break it. Just make sure it doesn’t get away from you while sanding.

You can now scrape the seed on a piece of coarse sandpaper or use a belt sander, disc sander, etc. to get the job done smoothly and quickly.

***Word of caution if using an electric sander*** Gently sand, just barely pressing the seed to the sandpaper. You don’t want to cremate the poor thing. Even a palm sander will work for this.

You can also use the Robo-Grips to hold the seed while you scuff the end with an emery board; which come in differing coarseness as well. Use a strong file. It always helps to have a gander through the toolbox.

Sand just enough so you see a white spot begin to show. If you sand a bit more, you will end up with something like the image below. Sorry for the blurry photo. Keep in mind that while most will look just like that, don’t be alarmed if you only see one white spot. You can either keep sanding or leave it as is, it will just take a bit longer to emerge than the others.

Place all of your seeds into a coffee cup, fill it with water and microwave it for 20 seconds. Our microwave is pretty potent, so I don’t leave it in there too long. After the time is up, transfer your cup of seeds to a heated germination mat, put the cover on and leave them there. Clarification, leave the seeds and the water in the cup.

Don't have a germination mat? Get one if you can. They are worth their weight in gold. A very warm closet will work, the top of the refrigerator can be warm, the top of the dryer while using it, a waterbed heater, an aquarium heater, all sorts of warmth sources can be found about the house if you are a bit creative.

Resist the temptation to check them every ten minutes. Okay, you're allowed one peek before bed, I suppose.

If you sanded enough and the water was warm enough but not too hot, they will sprout. The next day, have a peek. You may very well see a little white nub emerging from some of your seeds. This is a very good sign. Wait until the next day, or even a few days after that to transfer the little fella to a pre-soaked peat pellet. Remember to keep the little guys warm and moist. I keep my Canna newborns on the heated germination tray until they are at least an inch tall. Remaining on the heat mat with a good misting each day, you will be amazed at how fast they grow. That little white nub will become a little white worm. Suddenly it is putting out little roots, and the next thing you know, that little white worm develops a crack from which emerges a pointy little head. And guess what? It's a girl!

After that, I move them to little pots until spring. If it is already summer or well past any danger of frost, go ahead and plant the little dear, be sure to mark the spot and don’t forget you have children growing.

Canna from hybrids may or will look different from their parents, but those from species will remain true. One can readily find species seeds on the internet.

Have fun!






This message was edited Mar 23, 2006 1:12 PM