Propagating canna from seeds: how it's done

Propagating canna from seeds is relatively expensive and difficult. Nevertheless it is possible. The following instructions show how to do it and what to look out for when propagating.

gain seed

If you want to get seeds directly from a canna, you must first wait for the flower to bloom and not remove it even after it has faded. Only when the fruiting bodies have formed can they be removed and opened. Of course, an easier alternative is to buy cannabis seeds in stores or online.

substrate

For germination you need either:

• potting soil
• commercial potting soil.
• herbal soil

Cultivation soil is recommended. This type of substrate contains fewer nutrients and thus prevents sprouting too quickly. The young plants will grow more slowly but also stronger. The only potential downside to low-nutrient soil is that young plants will need to be pricked out and transplanted into potting soil later.

step by step

In order for the seed to germinate, you need the following utensils:

• Foil, glass or transparent plastic bags
• if necessary indoor greenhouse
• planters
• seed
• sandpaper
• Peel
• substrate
• Water

Once these are ready, sowing can begin. These steps are necessary for this:

1. File off the shell

This step is optional. Canna seed beads have a very hard and relatively thick shell. As a result, it takes a long time for the seed to sprout. However, this waiting time can be shortened if you help out and file off the black coating slightly. The white interior should then show through slightly. Make sure, however, that you do not injure the seed with this measure. Place the seeds on sandpaper and rub them in a circular motion.

2. soaking

The seed beads are soaked in water for two days. The bowl should be in a warm and sheltered place so that the seed swells and later sprout well.

3. deploy

The seeds are placed on the chosen substrate and lightly covered with soil. Make sure there is enough space between the individual grains. It should be at least two centimeters. Otherwise, later pricking will be difficult.

4. moisten

If you want to grow cannas, the substrate must be kept constantly moist. You can place the seed pots in water until the soil is saturated or spray them with water.

5. Cover

You should cover the planters to keep the substrate and seed moist. Glass plates, an indoor greenhouse, transparent film or plastic bags are suitable for this. Air them out once a day to prevent mold from forming.

Location

Cannas need a warm, bright location. They should be sheltered and not exposed to draughts. For example, the following are ideal:

• the living room
• above the heater
• windowsills

If there is no space above the heater, an electric blanket can be used. Alternatively, you can use a heated mini greenhouse.

pricking

When the canna seeds have sprouted and the young plants have reached a height of five to ten centimetres, they can be pricked out. This means that the plants are placed individually in separate planters. You should also change the substrate and switch from potting soil to potting soil.

time

The best time for sowing is spring. However, you can grow the plants all year round. This requires the right temperature and sufficient light. However, 20 to 25 °C and a bright location can also be achieved with a heater or an electric blanket and a plant light.

Alternative to sowing

A quicker and easier way to propagate is by dividing the roots. Here, the tubers are severed in the middle. After the cut surfaces have dried, the newly formed daughter plants are placed separately in the substrate and watered. Propagation is carried out in spring and is much faster and easier than sowing.

Learn more about grafting and propagating plants