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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Musa Acuminata Seed Germination,
This review is from: Dwarf Cavendish Banana 5 Seeds - Musa acuminata
I decided to purchase the seeds for the Dwarf Cavendish Banana variety due to the fact that I plan on cultivating the plant in a hydroponic environment. Starting the plant from a soilless media would be required, due to the seedlings later introduction into a top feed drip hydroponic system.
Based on what I had previously read about the difficulties of seed germination for the Musa Acuminata, I had some doubts as to my success with the project. After familiarizing my self with the various techniques for germinating this seed, I decided to go along with the instructions provided by the seed company in the following context. The seeds were soaked in plain tap water for twenty-four hours. Following which I planted them approximately ¼" deep in coco coir media that had been rehydrated with plain tap water. I was keen to keep the temperature of the media/water at around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The propagation tray was of a wick feed variety and the nutrient I placed in its reservoir was a Miracle Gro solution at approximately 25% strength from recommended mixing directions. This was placed on a heating pad for seedling trays and a fluorescent grow light was cycled for 14 hours on 10 hours off for the period in discussion. Coco coir media was chosen because it has excellent nutrient solution holding capacity while still maintaining good drainage and outstanding oxygen facility to the root zone. Additionally it has rooting hormones that may have proved beneficial to the germination of the seeds. I conclude that my germination rate of 40% after one month is due to these parameters. I fully expect that there will be further germination of the remaining seeds shortly which will result in a very high final success rate with minimal effort. The seedlings that have germinated are quite robust and have displayed rapid growth that is noticeable on a daily basis. I would recommend this seed product to anyone that has germinated seeds before; these are not that difficult to start.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not too bad to start,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dwarf Cavendish Banana 5 Seeds - Musa acuminata
Okay, you don't need to be a horticulturist to start these seeds... Just have a bit of know how. If you've ever planted those gigantic pumpkins, then you've probably made amendments to the seed shells for plants before. These seeds are very hard making it difficult for your tiny little plant to come out of its shell. The package says you may nick the seeds to aid in their germination... Personally, I use an emory board (yes, the same ones I do my nails with)and since these seeds are significantly smaller than pumpkin seeds, I use a pair of needle nosed plyers to keep them in place. I'm always afraid of cutting too deep and with an emory board, you can see when you're getting close to the actual seedling inside without actually damaging it like you would if you accidentally cut too deep.
As for the fancy equipment, well, I prefer the ghetto approach... Army wives are always so frugal you know! I find the easiest way to get difficult seeds started is right in my aquarium which not only keeps them warm from the 85 degree water in there, but it has a full spectum light perfect for growing plants as well. You can't beat the humidity factor for plants that require constantly moist soil and humid conditions. I just put some good starter soil in tupperware, sour cream, lunchmeat containers and float them on top of the water. It makes for perfect conditions every time for year round seed starting. If you don't have an aquarium, there is always the on top of the refrigerator with grow lamp approach. The top of the fridge is really warm and I found that if you want to get ahead for the growing season, it makes a perfect place to start plants. I used this method when we were stationed in Germany and it worked out really well. Just make sure you cover those plants with clear plastic to keep the moisture in... Plain old saran wrap works fine. The third method is the milk carton method that you can use DURING the growing season. Just funnel the soil into the carton, toss in the seeds and cover lightly with the 1/2 inch of soil. Leave the lid to the carton ajar or off so it doesn't turn into a mold plantation and put in the sunniest spot in the yard. Just be sure to use one of the clearer plastic cartons. In our area, they are white milk cartons (light depletes vitamin D so its a good thing for you, but not great for growing plants!). You may be forced to buy a gallon of Tampico or sunny D and have your kid chug it down so you can use the container *Looks around nervously*... He's 16, he can take it! The only drawback with the gallon jug method is that if you get mold on the soil, its difficult to scrape off but you'd be amazed at what you can do with the handle of a flyswatter (been there, done that!). When the seedlings start to outgrow their container, simply cut it open and transplant. Surf the web, I'm sure you'll find other great growing tips. These plants aren't more difficult than any other hard shelled seeds. They just love warmth, humidity and lots of light. Provide all three and you have a recipe for success! Good luck, be creative, and happy growing!
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't fully describe the item,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dwarf Cavendish Banana 5 Seeds - Musa acuminata
I was not aware these seeds would take 1 to 6 months to germinate. Had I known this I would not have ordered them. There is too much chance for failure here. Hirts should include this in their advertisements.
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