30/10/2023
GERMINATING OLDER SEEDS
Bird of Paradise plant is typically propagated through division or by planting seeds. When planting Bird of Paradise seeds, which are usually encased in a hard, woody shell, it is normally a good idea to carefully scarify or nick the seeds with a knife, file, sandpaper or a nail clip. This helps water pe*****te the seed coat and speeds up germination. While Bird of Paradise seeds typically have a variable germination rate that can depend on various factors, including the quality of the seeds, the conditions in which they are planted, and some natural variability, it's difficult to establish an exact germination rate for 2-3-year-old Bird of Paradise seeds because of certain factors that hinder germination.
Among these factors are the viability of Bird of Paradise seeds. Older seeds may have a lower germination rate compared to fresher seeds, and therefore decrease over time. If the seeds have been stored in proper conditions, they can still germinate, but the rate might be lower. Another factor hindering germination is the quality of the seeds which plays a significant role. It is well noted that healthy, mature seeds have a better chance of germinating compared to damaged or immature ones.
Having taken these factors hampering germination process into account, we took upon ourselves to conduct experimentation with 2-3 years old seeds that were stored in a cool place. The method by which it was used in germinating seeds was not in conformity with the general direction of germinating seeds. Instead of scarifying older seeds by nicking or sanding them, seeds were left in a bucket of warm water for two days and then taken out to remove orange tufts.
Following this, these seeds were then placed in a bucket of warm water and left in the sun during the day. This is done to maintain the warmth of the water which helps soften seeds. The water is then replaced with warm water in the evening and again in the morning before it is left with seeds in the bucket in the sun. The whole process is done for a week instead of the usual two days until hard covered seeds have softened. In improving the germination rates for older seeds, we have witnessed seeds sprouting in a matter of six weeks rather than two months or longer. This is coupled with providing the right growing conditions, including temperature, humidity, and soil quality, which significantly contribute to germination rates as these seeds require warmth and consistently moist, well-draining soil.
Keep in mind that even with optimal conditions, there's no guarantee of 100% germination, and as mentioned earlier, germination rates can vary widely. If you have older seeds and are concerned about their viability, you can perform a germination test by planting a small sample of them in ideal conditions to see how many sprout. This will give you a better idea of the specific germination rate for the seeds you have.
