Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) Seed Germination Guide

🌺 Germinating Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) Seeds – Step-by-Step

Here’s how to germinate your seeds successfully.

🧼 1. Prepare the Seeds

• Each Strelitzia seed has an orange tuft—remove this before starting.
• Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 48 hours to soften the hard outer coating.

🪚 2. Scarify for Success

• After soaking, gently nick the seed coat with a sterilized blade, or score it with sandpaper.
• This step is essential—without it, the tough shell may prevent germination.

🌿 Optional: Use Gibberellic Acid (GA₃)

Strelitzia seeds respond extremely well to GA₃ after soaking and scarification. GA₃ is a natural plant hormone that helps break dormancy and encourages faster, more uniform germination.

For best results, soak seeds in a 500 ppm GA₃ solution for 24 hours after scarifying.

Click here to purchase Gibberellic Acid (GA₃)

🪴 3. Choose Your Containers

• Use seed trays, Mini-greenhouse, or small pots 5–10 cm deep.
• Ensure drainage holes are present to avoid soggy roots.

🌱 4. Use the Right Germination Seed Mix

• Fill your tray or pot with:
  • cactus mix, or
  • 50/50 mix of propagation sand and seed-starting mix
• This gives you fast drainage with enough moisture retention to support germination.

✍️ 6. Sowing Instructions

• Sow seeds about 1–1.5 cm deep and 2.5 cm apart in your chosen mix.
• Press gently into the surface and water in lightly.
• Cover the tray with a clear humidity dome or lid to lock in warmth and moisture.

🌡️ 7. Keep Warm & Humid

• Place in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight.
• A heat mat helps maintain ideal germination conditions:
  • Temperature: 25°C Humidity: Over 60%
  • Ventilate daily to reduce risk of mould. If using a domed tray, part-open the vents.

⏳ 7. Germination Timeline

• Germination is slow but rewarding:
  • Time: 4–8 weeks (or longer depending on conditions)
  • Be patient—some seeds take their time to sprout!

🌿 8. After Germination

• Once sprouted, remove the dome but keep seedlings in a warm, bright spot.
• Mist to keep soil evenly moist, and transplant once seedlings develop their first true leaves.

💬 Got Questions?

Feel free to get in touch—we’re happy to help!