How to Grow a Bird of Paradise from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

With its vibrant, tropical blooms and bold foliage the bird of paradise plant provides unique beauty to gardens and indoor spaces. While often propagated from divisions, the bird of paradise can also be grown from seeds. Starting these exotic plants from seed requires patience and care but enables you to add stunning bird of paradise plants to your landscape for a fraction of the cost. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully grow a bird of paradise from seed.

Choosing and Preparing Bird of Paradise Seeds

  • Select fresh, high-quality bird of paradise seeds from a reputable source. Mature pods can be collected from existing plants when ripe

  • Soak the seeds in room temperature water for 24-48 hours before planting, This helps soften the tough outer coating for better germination,

  • Carefully remove any orange, stringy material from the seeds before planting. This helps prevent fungus or rot issues.

  • Inspect seeds and discard any that are discolored, moldy, or damaged to avoid problems.

Providing the Right Conditions for Germination

  • Plant seeds 1 inch deep and at least 3 inches apart in a sterile, well-draining seed starting mix.

  • Maintain a temperature between 70-80°F for optimal germination. Consider using a heat mat or growing seedlings near a warm window.

  • High humidity is critical, so cover seeded containers with plastic wrap or use a seedling heat mat to create a greenhouse effect.

  • Check soil moisture daily. Keep seeds consistently moist but not soaked for the 1-3 month germination period.

  • Once sprouted, move to filtered sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Keep humidity high.

Caring for Bird of Paradise Seedlings

  • Transplant sprouted seeds into 3-4 inch pots once the first true leaves emerge. Use a well-draining potting mix.

  • Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Allow pots to drain fully.

  • Fertilize seedlings monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.

  • Maintain warm temperatures and high humidity. Monitor for pests like mealybugs.

  • Gradually acclimate seedlings to lower humidity and more direct sunlight as they grow stronger.

Transplanting Outdoors

  • In frost-free climates, plant seedlings outdoors in a sheltered spot once they reach 1-2 feet tall.

  • Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil enriched with compost.

  • Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball and backfill with native soil.

  • Water deeply after transplanting and provide irrigation until established.

  • Protect from cold temperatures below 55°F which can damage plants.

Ongoing Care of Bird of Paradise Plants

  • Water established plants when the top several inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.

  • Fertilize 3-4 times per year with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer following label rates.

  • Prune spent flower stems back to an outward facing leaf node to encourage reblooming.

  • Remove dead leaves and spent stems as needed to keep plants looking tidy.

  • Transplant into larger containers every 2-3 years as plants grow or divide congested clumps.

Achieving Those Coveted Blooms

  • Bird of paradise grown from seed can take 3-5 years to begin flowering. Be patient!

  • Mature plants produce the iconic orange and blue blooms on long stalks during summer months.

  • Flowering is encouraged by ample sunlight, warm temperatures, and consistent soil moisture.

  • Shelter outdoor plants from cold winter temperatures to boost flowering the following season.

  • Propagate new plants from divisions or seed pods on established plants for more bird of paradise blooms.

Rewarding Results from Seed to Bloom

Starting bird of paradise from seed requires dedication through a long germination and growth period, but the payoff is worth it. You’ll save money compared to buying mature plants. Plus, watching your seedlings transform into flourishing, flowering specimens is incredibly rewarding. With the proper care, these tropical beauties can thrive for years, gracing your garden with their vibrant, architectural blooms.

how to grow a bird of paradise from seed

5 Bird of Paradise Secrets | Flower and Grow Seeds Indoors

FAQ

How long does it take to grow a bird of paradise from seed?

How To Grow Bird of Paradise From Seed: Bird of Paradise flower seeds are slow to germinate, taking up to 8 or more weeks to germinate, and it will take 4 – 7 years for the plant to start blooming. When planting, soak the hard Strelitzia Reginae flower seeds for 24 – 48 hours and remove the orange tuft of hairs.

Is Birds of Paradise easy to grow?

The Bird of Paradise is an easy-going plant and is generally pest-free but can be prone to spider mites. Treat pests as soon as they appear with weekly sprays of a natural pesticide like neem oil or an insecticide and regularly wipe-down the plants leaves.

What does a bird of paradise seed look like?

Strelitzia seeds are easily recognizable, with their tough black outer coating and a clump of orange fluff sticking out of the shell.

How do you start a bird of paradise from a cutting?

Propagating bird of paradise cuttings should take place in early spring by severing a piece of rhizome with a sharp, clean knife. Sprinkle some rooting hormone on the open cuts. Each division should have a fan with attached roots. Put each division in a small, clean pot with high-quality planting medium.

Leave a Comment