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planting hardy bird of Paradise seed

11 years ago

I have been given some seeds of a hardy bird of paradise however it would not be winter hardy in my zone. I would like to know how to germinate the seeds to plant outside this Spring. Have a greenhouse where I can grow them till Spring. Any help greatly appreciated. Mary

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Comments (8)

aachenelf z5 Mpls
11 years ago
"Hardy" is such a relative term. To my knowledge, no Bird of Paradise comes anywhere near being hardy except in zones 8 or warmer which is completely out of our league in the frozen north.

I once grew the regular old bird of paradise from seed without any problems. As I remember I just planted the things, kept them kind of warm and they germinated in a few weeks.

Also, is there a particular variety of B of P which goes by the name 'Hardy Bird of Paradise'? I couldn't find anything when I Googled.

Kevin
growlove
Original Author
11 years ago
The seed came from a friend in Oklahoma who bought her plant from High Country gardens which I believe went out of business. Her plants come through the winter, but that is Oklahoma. I just wanted to grow them as an annual here in Iowa or try them in a pot to bring in and winter over in the green house setting back out in the Spring much like the brugmansias. Mary
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flora_uk
11 years ago
Could it be Caesalpinia gilliesii (Yellow Bird of Paradise) which was in HC's catalogue?

Here is a link that might be useful: Yellow B of P
growlove
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks, that's the one in High Country gardens catalog. I have several seeds so will give it a try. Mary
rusty_blackhaw
11 years ago
Yet another argument in favor of using botanical names to avoid confusion...
growlove
Original Author
11 years ago
I was't aware of the botanical name or would have used it. Guess I was relying on folks smarter than me to help me out.Sorry. Mary
rusty_blackhaw
11 years ago
No problem, people are glad to help. I was just anticipating the semi-annual thread about how annoying Latin/botanical names are and how gardeners who use them are just showing off. :)
growlove
Original Author
11 years ago
To any one interested. I placed a few of my seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag on top of the frig. In three days little roots were shooting so have now planted them in a pot and will move them to the green house. Perhaps it is much too early and they may get large and spindly, but I have many other seeds thanks to a friendly gardener from Oklahoma. No expense, so I can experiment. Love those gardening friends.

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