I'm experimenting with starting canna from seed. Here is my first baby to show itself. This was from seeds
collected from Tropical Sunrise.
I started 5 seeds, following directions I found on another forum. However, so far, only 1 has sprouted after 2 weeks.



2 days ago, I tried again by filing and then soaking 3 more seeds. So far, 2 have shown germination (radicle/white nub showing) . One thing I changed on this second round was to add peroxide to the hot water to see if it would help with germination.I've read that peroxide aids in breaking down the outer shell of seeds so why not try it.

Anyone else have tried growing canna from seed?

Julia: That is very cool! I've never tried growing Canna from seeds ... it sure looks like you've been successful and I hope you will share more photo's as the plant(s) mature! Great job!

The seedling is still growing but the other 4 have not sprouted. I just started 3 more. So I'll see how those do.

Don't give up hope ... maybe the other 4 are just slow pokes!

So here are the canna seedlings so far. The first one that came up is still thriving and getting more leaves. I got a second one to grow from the second batch but odd that it started with almost what appeared to be white leaves and then it changed to green. Still watching that one.
No luck on the first 4. Second batch gave me 2 germinations but only 1 so far has poked up.
Third batch and 1 germinated so planted it. Still trying.

Pic I took this morning

Looking good!

I started from seeds a few times, mine did like yours, some just never started, and some just took longer to sprout. Your look great, now I'm wondering what the heck did I do with the seeds I collected last year? arghh!! I'm thinking in the garage! ohhh noooo, now I got to go out there tomorrow and look in the boxed up stuff! LOL Yours are looking great!!

How long do the seeds keep? I have some that someone sent me, but I don't recall how long I've had them!

Woofie, the seeds aren't going to get any younger. You might as well put them in and see what happens.

Ha! I know that, I stuck a few in pots, but so far nothing has sprouted. And of course I forgot to write down the date (smacking self on head!). Do you scarify the seeds before you soak them?

I "nicked" mine, you can use a brick, file or chip it then put in water.

I also nicked the ones I'm doing. I have a nail file with a more abrasive side that I use. I couldn't get the hang of using
nail clippers. I read somewhere you shouldn't nick where the "dimple" is. I have a hard time seeing the dimple so possibly I'm nicking in the wrong place
Here is an article I found with some great photos. I'm leaving mine soak longer now and just see what happens.
You do need to hold that seed tight when nicking as they do have a habit of flying around.

http://www.cooltropicalplants....

Good website!

Good news. I just checked the ones soaking from the third batch of seed and I had one more germinate so it got planted. I want to
see the radicle/white nub appear before I plant. I have to limit my growing space on the heat mat for all those perennials I'll be starting soon.

So you can leave them soak till that nub appears? I may try that with the rest of the seeds!

woofie said:So you can leave them soak till that nub appears? I may try that with the rest of the seeds!

Yes but I have found that if they will germinate typically I will see the nub within 3-4 days. I plan to soak some longer to
see what the difference, if any, there is. You need to change the water every 2 days.They also say the water should
be hot when you first nick and soak. It is suppose to help breakdown the seed coating but my water always cool down after
a couple of hours.I also tried adding some peroxide (like I do for daylily seeds) to see if that would help. Saw no difference.
I've been planting mine in 16 oz red drink cups with holes punched on the sides of the very bottom. Not underneath. I then
place them on the heat mat.

I figure if they don't germinate within a week of soaking, I need to move on and get some others started.

Well, they are all nicked and soaking now. I always use warm water at first. The few that I tried earlier are in those little 4-pack nursery pots on a heat mat, but so far no action; I only soaked them for 2 days, tho, and I'm not sure if I got them nicked well enough. I have had these seeds for quite a while, but wouldn't you think with those hard seed coats, they should be good for a few years? Oh well, we shall see! No point in keeping them if I'm not going to do something with them!

Two more seedlings have popped up That will be 4 that I've been able to start from seed indoors.
I've given up on the other canna seeds I had soaking and will just be happy with the ones I did get to grow.
Will post pics next week to show how they are progressing.