Propagating canna from seeds is relatively complex and difficult. Still it is possible. The following instructions show how to do it and what to look out for when multiplying.
Gaining seeds
If you want to obtain seeds directly from a canna, you must first wait for the flowers to appear and do not remove them after they have withered. Only when fruit bodies have formed can they be removed and opened. A simpler alternative is of course to buy the seeds for cannas in stores or online.
Substrate
For germination you will need either:
- Potting soil
- commercial potting soil.
- Herb soil
Cultivation soil is recommended. This type of substrate contains fewer nutrients and thus prevents sprouting too quickly. As a result, the young plants will grow more slowly but also more strongly. The only potential downside to soil with a low nutrient content is that the young plants will grow
later must be pricked out and put into potting soil.
Step by step
In order for the seeds to germinate, you will need the following utensils:
- Foil, glass or transparent plastic bags
- if necessary indoor greenhouse
- Planters
- Seeds
- Sandpaper
- peel
- Substrate
- water
When these are ready, sowing can begin. These steps are necessary for this:
1. File off the shell
This step is optional. The seed pearls of the canna have a very hard and relatively thick shell. As a result, it takes a long time for the seeds to sprout. However, this waiting time can be shortened if you help out and lightly file off the black coating. The white interior should then shine through slightly. However, be sure that you sow the seeds at this one
Do not violate the 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 up and later drifts well.
3. Application
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 it will be difficult to prick out later.
4. Moisten
If you want to grow cannas, the substrate must be kept permanently moist. You can put the growing containers in water until the soil is soaked or you can spray them with water.
5. Cover
To keep the substrate and the seeds moist, you should cover the planters. Glass plates, a greenhouse, transparent film or plastic bags are suitable for this. Ventilate it once a day so that no mold develops.
Tip: If you choose to do the grinding, wear work gloves, use a plate or spoon for the measure. This protects you from injury. Also, sterilize the earth. This reduces the risk of mold and rot.
Location
Cannas need a warm, bright location. They should be protected and not be exposed to drafts. For example, the following are ideal:
- the living room
- above the heater
- Window sills
If there is no space above the heater, an electric blanket can be used. Alternatively, you can use a heated mini greenhouse.
Prick out
When the canna seeds have sprouted and the young plants have reached a height of five to ten centimeters, 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 to sow is spring. However, you can grow the plants all year round. The right temperature and sufficient light are required for this. However, 20 to 25 ° C and a bright location can also be achieved with heating or an electric blanket and plant light.
Alternative to sowing
A faster and easier way of propagating is dividing the roots. The tubers are cut in the middle. After the cut surfaces have dried, the newly created daughter plants are placed separately from each other in the substrate and watered. Propagation is carried out in spring and is much faster and easier than sowing.