 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Having received a gift of fresh Strelitzia seeds direct from Southern CA (thanks Bob!), I've embarked on a mission to encourage their germination, and urge them thence to grow. Here I will describe my process, and (hopefully) post my progress! A quick web search disclosed two alternative germination methods, and I decided to try them both. |
 Front left you will see my inspiration for starting this project at this time: a plastic zipper case that contained a small teddy bear. It screamed "greenhouse," and I heard it. |
 Method #1 calls for scarifying or breaking the seed coat, and that is what I am doing here, with a file. That orange stuff is the fuzzy Muppet hair that adorns each deep brown seed. |
 Method #2 calls for soaking the seed for 3-4 days before planting. I have placed it in warm water, in a small vial that once contained saffron. I will change the water every day. |
 Seed #1 has been planted 1" deep in a 1-1 mixture of soil and sand, and seed #2 is soaking. 85F is best for germination, so the greenhouse is lodged in the furnace room for now. |
 After a few days spent snugly soaking, seed #2 is ready for its haircut. |
 Seed #2 is neatly shorn and nestled in its pot, ready to be covered up with sandy soil. Good luck, buckaroo! This ain't no Southern Califormia! |
 Both seeds are now planted, and the "cuddle-bear" greenhouse is ready to go back in the furnace room. I will check the pots for adequate dampness every few days. |
 By the way, the mother ship is actually a Giant Bird of Paradise (see car bumper and tree in background for scale). Stay tuned for news! Germination may take 1-12 months... |
|
|
 Seed #2 takes flight with a little white shoot from one day to the next - first seen Nov. 28th, exactly one month after planting! The next challenge will be to provide warmth and light throughout the cold, dark New England winter... How can I convince this little shoot that it is really in Hawaii? A grow-light may well be in my future... |
 A new home for the baby bird, with holes punched in the top for ventilation. This new cage will probably move around a bit over the next little while as I try to find the best conditions... |
 12/23/08 - After a few scant weeks in the soup container, the young sprout has achieved thumb size, and no longer fits in. From now on, it's life in the open air! |
 Nested among the plugs beneath a small fluorescent desk lamp, the bird of paradise spreads its first green wing. A slinky is half-pictured at left - useful for temporary stress relief. |
|
|