So far I thre a few into a glass of water. Should I try H2O2 as well?

I know some people get good results by wintersowing. I've never tried them myself.
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/f...

Karen

I grew a few last year from seed. They didn't get big enough to flower, but I kept them going thru the winter. Last year I soaked the seeds, nothing happened, nicked the seeds, soaked them again and repeated until I saw the seeds start to sprout. They sent out a little white sprout, very easy to see.

This year, I tried nearly boiling water (experts say 180'F) over the seeds in a coffee cup. I heard popping right away. Then next morning, they were swollen and some were starting to sprout. I have them in potting mix in a soda bottle like I use for winter sowing right away. I brought them in last night. Still waiting for leaves to poke up, but they have only been in soil for 3 days. If this works, it is much easier than scratching and soaking, imo.

Andi, I cant wait to see how your seeds make out. I've never had luck with canna seeds, but I have had great luck with banana seeds

I have never tried banana seeds....have to add it to my todo list.

Last year's cannas are sending up leaves. They were from the Dave's newbie seed swap. I am hoping the near boiling water method works as an alternate to scarification. It was so much easier. I peeked in the dirt, and a couple of this year's cannas are setting out sprouts.

I remember it was difficult nicking the little round canna seeds, they roll!. I put them in the groove in my cutting board to keep them in line. You don't realize that your kitchen floor needs cleaning until you try to find a little, round black seed on it!

I hope that I get some blooms this year. All of mine are surprises this year. Last year's were from"firecracker", but it is a hybrid, so they could be surprises also. Their first leaves are variegated. I am starting earlier this year. It has been a warmer spring as well, up to this week. My cannas are inside under lights to hurry them along.

They will stay in pots. I made a resolution last year while untangling my shirt and hair from a rosebush while removing my gladiola bulbs - all tender bulbs that overwinter indoors go in pots! Now I need more pots. I plan to try making papercrete ones soon, perhaps Thursday and Friday, if I get a few rain free days.