Howdy SW friends,

I have quite a few SW Birds of Paradise in my nursery that are on their first true leaves. My dear friend gave me these seeds. We gathered for lunch today and she tells me they don't transplant well.

So, here's my question: find them a home now in native soil or keep them over winter and plant them in Spring? My thought is keep them until Spring and see what happens.

Why not hedge your bets and put some into the ground in native soil and keep some til Spring.

I just saw this post as always a day late. Anyway i have tried to start these from seed about 3 times without any luck. They sure are looking good. Would you care to share you secret for getting them to grow for you. Thank you

Hi James,

Sure will! Nothing fancy really... Well, IDK, maybe it is fancy. But I did a little research beforehand as I've never germinated these seeds before. And, during my research, I saw someone's comment post who indicated that the seeds will not germinate unless they are scratched with an Emory board and soaked in water for, I believe, 24 hrs... Might have been a less/more. I have it written down on my brown bag of seeds, so I'll confirm for you.

Anyway, that's all I did. I scratched a small area through the seed husk near the narrow end, soaked in water in a mason jar on the counter, planted in small cups with potting soil, and placed in our hoop house. They germinated fairly quickly.

In fact, they are still in the hoop house! I haven't had the time or good weather to move them just yet, so I can't say how well they will transplant. I think I'll plant some in their cups with the bottoms removed, some directly in the ground, and other into bigger pots. That ought to give me results to compare.

You might want to soak and plant directly into the ground, James. Best of luck!

Gina

James, I couldn't find my bag of seeds with the note. However, I think 24 hrs is a good mark. A quick research indicated many only soak for a few hours. I know mine were overnight.

These are the Red Bird of Paradise, aka Mexican Bird of Paradise and not the tropical version. Just want to clarify.

Here's a photo I found online.

Thank you so much Gina, Like i said have tried several time but have had poor results. But wit your kind information will try once again. I recall about 20 years ago i was on a fishing trip down in Mexico, traveling down a dirt road, and just over the hill area was covered in the BOD. I was a sight to be seen. Once again Gina, thank you so much. Going to check to see if i still have seeds.

You are most welcome, James.

That is my hope with my seedlings; to cover a good part of my garden surround. I can only imagine the beautiful sight you had seen. Wow!

And, if you find you need seeds, let me know. I have hundreds! Not kidding, hundreds! I'd be happy to ship them to a General Delivery Post Office if you'd like. No need to provide a direct address. Just putting it out there for you.

Happy gardening!

Gina

Thank You Gina, will let you know.