51st state

Hi All
I have 200 Sikkimensis seeds ready to go. I was thinking of experimenting with a few variables and would like some input. the results should give some good pointers for the future. I have a propagator with pretty accurature day/night temp control. So I was going to set that to 35C(95F)Day/10-12C(50-54F)night
8hrs day/ 16hrs night. Planting in a good seed compost mixed with 15% vermiculite (to improve drainage) and a couple of scoops of slow release fertilizer. seeds to be placed in clear tupperware containers.

The variables I was thinking of trying are:-

1/ soaked in warm water for 24 hrs

2/ soaked in GA3 for 24 hrs

3/ scarified with a scalpel (to just expose seed) then soaked in warm water for 24 hrs

4/ scarified with a scalpel (to just expose seed) then soaked in GA3 for 24 hrs

Anyone got any thoughts on other variables to try or alternative suggestions for planting medium or temp regime. All Input welcome, but don't take too long as I'm dying to get them in!!!

thanks
Kev

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AllenF

Why don't you try some in unsterile compost? Perhaps some scarified and unscarified.

Allen

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You don't have to be crazy to grow Bananas in Alberta, but it helps

mrbungalow

According to this thread, GA-3 is useless for bananas. But if you want to experiment, don't let me or anyone else discourage you!

I would think testing different mediums (sterile vs. non-sterile), different pH, and temperature regimes would also be a good approach. Apparently, knicking seeds has become an issue again. I have never done anything more with sikkimensis than soak them for a few days and put them in a 14/10 cold-warm regime. These seem to sprout fairly easily for me.

Erlend

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the flying dutchman

Hi Kev, if you wan't to do a experiment try to soak them in sugar water.
Maybe this would immitate the natural rotting process.

ron

MediaHound

Welcome to the board, Ron!

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Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.

51st state

Good call Ron

I was thinking the same sort of thing.

Unbeknown to the wife....... in the airing cupboard, on top of the hotwater tank is a ripe nana in a ziplok bag, I am going to add 25 fresh seeds. As this slowly turns to mush maybe the passing of the 'parent' will help break the seed dormancy ready for planting in the normal way, stands to reason really. we all know that the gas given off by bananas as they ripen, helps ripen others.

we'll see

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the flying dutchman

Hi kev, that is a good experiment, probably you should not wash the
seeds after that as it would not be the natural way i think. The sugars
will keep doing there work further on.
Let us know the results after germination.

ron

the flying dutchman

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tropicallvr

Good luck with your experiment. Hopefully it will give some clues.
I'd guess with M.sikkimensis the temps would be the most important factor. They seem to almost need to come down below room temps for their daily "cool" period. The ones I have tried in colder rooms seemed to work the best for germinating. I'm thinking M.sikkimensis may need a 30F daily temp swing, but right now it's only a theory.