How to grow Indian canna from seeds - all the subtleties of planting and care
Large leaves and unusual inflorescences of cannes make them the first beauties in the garden. Not surprisingly, having gotten just one bush for the occasion, many soon seek to propagate it. And the first question that arises before gardeners is how to grow Indian canna from seeds. Why Indian? Yes, for the reason that it was she who became the progenitor of all the following types of flower. This means that what is suitable for this plant is applicable to all other varieties. Of course, dividing the tubers is a faster and easier way of reproduction, allowing you to grow a full-fledged bush in a short time. But the desired variety is not always available, but getting the right seeds is not a problem. As well as growing seedlings itself, the process is quite understandable and accessible even to beginners.
Seed propagation has only two drawbacks. First, the plants obtained in this way almost always do not retain varietal characteristics. On the other hand, the opportunity is given to feel like a breeder and to develop a new color. And secondly, not all varieties are capable of setting seeds.
Why seeds need pretreatment
One of three methods to choose from will help soften the shell and accelerate seed germination:
- scald the seeds with boiling water, then place them in a thermos with this water and stand for 4 hours;
- leave the seeds on a warm battery overnight;
- put in the freezer for 2 hours.
How to grow Indian canna from seeds - sowing and caring for seedlings
Sowing can be started in late February - early March. The soil should be light, preferably based on peat... Spray it abundantly with water, lay out the seeds, sprinkle with a layer of soil and cover with foil. Before germination (about 3 weeks), the room temperature should be at least 22 ° C. The shelter is periodically raised for airing, and completely removed when all the seeds have sprouted.
If the sowing was in a common container, the seedlings should be planted in separate pots when 4 leaves are formed. Further content should be cooler (16 ° heat), otherwise the cannes will stretch out. It is important to water the seedlings regularly, you can feed them with a mineral complex. In open ground, Indian and other types of cannes grown from seeds are planted at the end of May, when frosts pass. In the central zone it is worth waiting until June.