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Cannas
Sept 8, 2006 1:35:25 GMT -6
Post by strongtower9 on Sept 8, 2006 1:35:25 GMT -6
I have a nice stand of cannas, and they have lots of seeds every year and I wanted so bad to plant them. After researching it was said they had to have acid bath etc etc and best left to professionals. ( Although I threw some around the chicken pen, figured that was acid enough !!) Again this year I have these seeds and I can't stand it I go out and get them and research again, and low and behold I find people that do it all the time. It is said you have to file or otherwise prick the black coat on the seed. Down till you see white and water can get in. I tried filing....pricking....hammering....The little scutters are HARD. Maybe they were on to something with the acid bath....Anybody know what kind of acid? At this point I am thinking it will take battery acid.
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Cannas
Sept 8, 2006 4:34:27 GMT -6
Post by Pharmer Phil on Sept 8, 2006 4:34:27 GMT -6
S.T. many different types of "soaks" are out there. I prefer the nail file/three-sided file approach. Only one of the "soaks" I have heard of is what I would consider "safe' My choice would be: vinegarOther choices: Gibberellic acid g.a is a MUTAGEN...I do not support the use of this. Concentrated Sulfuric Acid............well, not very safe, very dangerous to work with. HOWEVER, since ya asked, and for those wanting to know... For concentrated acid soak, put seeds in a non-corrosive container, pour in enough acid to cover the seeds. Stir once, and allow acid to sit for 10 minutes. Pour off the acid and wash the seeds in plenty of water. Sow seeds immediately.
Seeds will germinate rapidly, and seedlings are very susceptible to damping off or rot. Use sterile soil and containers to avoid disease, and be prepared to apply a fungicide to prevent seedling losses.
*CAUTION: Concentrated sulfuric acid is very dangerous. Wear appropriate protective clothing including gloves and eye protection at all times. If acid gets onto your skin, wash immediately with water and seek medical attention. Contact your local extension agent for methods of proper disposal of the acid. Battery acid may also be used, but the timing of the soak will be longer
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Cannas
Sept 8, 2006 11:25:05 GMT -6
Post by strongtower9 on Sept 8, 2006 11:25:05 GMT -6
O, you mean some kind of *SERIOUS* acid. No....I don't want to fool with that. I wondered about vinegar and lemon juice...might take days... Well I got all winter to file .... (It would probably take all winter !!!!) Thanks for the info tho.
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Cannas
Sept 9, 2006 4:46:21 GMT -6
Post by digger48 on Sept 9, 2006 4:46:21 GMT -6
Nick one with a tiller every so often. Have some that started from seed in a patch from several years ago. Usually happens every year as move cannas around the garden.
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Cannas
Sept 9, 2006 11:38:36 GMT -6
Post by strongtower9 on Sept 9, 2006 11:38:36 GMT -6
Wonder if I could roll them around in the blender....
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Cannas
Sept 9, 2006 14:13:57 GMT -6
Post by Compost Pharmer on Sept 9, 2006 14:13:57 GMT -6
I would think the blender would work to scratch the seeds. I didn't realize they were that hard.
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Cannas
Sept 10, 2006 0:57:22 GMT -6
Post by strongtower9 on Sept 10, 2006 0:57:22 GMT -6
I have enough that I could experiment !! Will wait till spring !
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