Canna - characteristics of the seeds and sowing

Canna - characteristics of the seeds and sowing

General information about the seeds

They are inconspicuous: small, elliptical-round, smooth-skinned and black to dark brown in color. They are located in wart-shaped seed pods. In late autumn they ripen in their fruit clusters. They are ripe when the fruit bunches have dried up and burst. Usually 2 rock hard seeds are contained in one capsule.

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When you have the seeds, there is no need to be in a hurry. They are extremely durable and can be stored for many decades without losing their ability to germinate. Thanks to their hard shell ...

Germinate the seeds

In comparison to propagation by dividing the rhizomes, sowing is to be classified as laborious. But for canna lovers and all those who want to breed with cannas, sowing is worthwhile, for example to obtain a completely new variety.

Preparatory work: grinding the seeds

Before you grow canna from seeds, you should file or grind the seeds. This is important if you don't want to wait several months for the seeds to germinate. The shell of the seeds is extremely hard and is difficult to break through by the seedlings.

Sand the shell until the white inside is visible. Caution: The interior should not be damaged. You can use the following tools for grinding:

  • Sandpaper
  • file
  • Nail file

Off to the pots

From January the canna seeds can be sown in pots. Sowing should be carried out by mid-February at the latest in order to achieve flowering in the same year.

Here's how to proceed with the seeds:

  • Soak in warm water for 2 days
  • then place 2 cm deep in the ground
  • keep soil moistured
  • place in a warm place (e.g. near a heater)
  • Germination time under optimal conditions: 6 days
  • Plant out after the last frost in spring
  • slowly get used to the sun

Tips & Tricks

In the home of the canna plant, the seeds are often used to make necklaces and bracelets. Simply collect the seeds, pierce them and thread them together.