Birds of Paradise

Question

I have one bird of paradise flower (taken from a flower arrangement at a funeral). I want to try and grow this plant indoors during our winter months and outdoors during our summer months. My question is, How do I and where do I get the seeds from the flower I have already? Is it even possible? What do I have to do after I remove the seeds from the plant? I read about putting them in my fridge for a couple of weeks and then take them out and slice them, etc. Is this information correct? I have had it in a vase for three weeks now and I am afraid that I will lose the chance to do something with this beautiful flower. Any help would be appreciated; I would really love to try this. I read it may take 5 years, but I am a patient person.

Answer 1

It takes Bird of Paradise plants three to five years to mature from seeds, which are about the same size as a sweet pea seeds and have orange fuzz on the end. Hard seed shells dictate that they must be scratched before they will germinate. The easiest way to do this is to soak them in room temperature water overnight and nick the hard case with a knife or other instrument prior to planting. Do not allow the soil to become dry. Keep it moist, not wet. Cover the seed with a glass container, such as a jar, in order to create a humid environment. It will take Bird of Paradise seeds eight to twelve weeks to germinate.