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From seed, under ideal conditions birds of
paradise will flower within 3 years. To get a mature flowering
plant from seed takes about three to five years. For best
results sow fresh seed in spring. Before sowing, remove the
bright orange tuft of hairs attached to the seed and soak
in a aqueous solution of ethrel at a concentration of 2000 ppm
active constituent, for 48 hours. In practical terms this
entails making up 6ml ethrel (39.5% active ingredient) to a
litre of water. Sow in seedtrays filled with a well-drained soil
medium at a depth of 1,5 times the size of the seed. A constant
temperature of 25 C is most suitable for germination as low
temperatures retard germination. Germination takes four to eight
weeks. Seedlings should be a good size before transplanted (two
to three leaves) into a well drained medium. Young strelitzia
plants must be grown in shade, for the leaves tend to burn in
direct sunlight. Regular repotting allows the young plant to
develop rapidly. Restricting the root development retards
growth.
Source: Plantzafrica
Tropical Flowers "Birds of
Paradise"
Grower: Mr. William Commerford, Kissimmee, Florida
Product: TURF PRO
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