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Old 23-09-2009, 09:32 AM posted to uk.rec.gardening
DaveP DaveP is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Feb 2009
Posts: 56
Default Cannas from seed

On Sep 22, 10:51*pm, Dave Hill wrote:

Some will flower first year, most will flower 2nd year, quite easy.


Very much so. Wait until Feb/early March and put all of the seeds in
a shallow container and pour water that has just gone off the boil
over them. When the crackling, hissing or popping has subsided (this
is caused by the heat forcing the very hard layers of the seed coat
apart) top up with tepid water and leave the seeds to continue soaking
overnight. Drain off the following day and sow just below the surface
in a sterilised, multi-purpose compost.

At around 25C, germination will take 24 - 72 hours with a few
lingerers popping up over the next few days. Pot the seedlings up when
the first leaf is fully formed and grow on in full light. First
flowers often appear in June if the plants are grown in a greenhouse.
If placed outside when frosts have passed, expect flowers in July or
August. Flower quality and colour takes a year or so to develop fully
so you'll only get a hint of what is to follow in future years.