Bird of Paradise Seeds [Guide to Harvest & Grow]

The unique long-necked bloom might have attracted most gardeners, but Bird of Paradise produces exotic seeds with a special woolly orange tuft and has interesting germination requirements.

The seed of Bird of paradise has a thick bract. Therefore, they require a pre-germination process for successful germination and ideal requirements.

What do Bird of Paradise Seeds Look Like?

Crane Flower takes 4 to 7 years to blossom and almost four months to form seedpods.

Even though the Bird of Paradise has five different species, they share the same characteristics regarding seeds.

Note: Bird of Paradise is toxic to cats. Make sure you keep the plant and seeds away from your feline friend.

How to Harvest Bird of Paradise Seeds? 

As soon as the bloom wilts and turn brown, Bird of Paradise will produce seeds in its seed pod and exposes them.

You might also need to hand pollinate for the indoor Bird of Paradise plant as they rely on external agents such as birds or insects for natural pollination.

You can use paint brushes or cotton swabs to hand pollinate the flower.

How to Collect Bird of Paradise Seeds?

• Separate the seedpod from the flower and place it over a paper plate.
• Split open the seedpods with your thumbs, and drop all seeds onto the paper. Ensure the seedpods do not have any seeds left.

• Keep the seeds in an adequately ventilated place, and let them dry completely for one to two weeks.
• Once the seeds are dry, place them in a paper envelope.

Further, store them in a cool, dry place for future use, but considering the decreasing viability with increasing store time. 

Bird of Paradise Seeds for Sale

It is alright if your Bird of Paradise flower did not produce seeds. It wasn’t an easy process. You can always buy the seeds online, so cheer up.

I have listed some of the online sites providing Bird of Paradise seeds.

How to Grow Bird of Paradise from Seeds?

Although the propagation of Bird of Paradise is much more accessible via root division, that doesn’t decrease the potential of growing an entire plant from seeds.

These seeds’ life span is less, so it is better to plant them as soon as they are ready after extraction.

Step 1: Getting the Seeds Ready (Scarification)

Before we begin the process, thoroughly check for healthy seeds, i.e, proper color and shape, and not deformed.

• Soak the seeds in a bowl of lukewarm water for almost two days.
• Drain out the water and wrap the seeds in a wet paper towel.
• Place the seeds in a zip lock bag and store them in the refrigerator for two weeks.
• Take out the seeds from the refrigerator and, using a sterilized blade, nick each of the seeds.

Step 2: Planting the Seeds on Germination Tray

• Fill in the germination tray with desired potting mix. You can also use equal proportions of peat moss and seed starting mix.
• Sow seeds on the tray (3/4 to 1 inch deep) and cover them with compost mix and lightly moisten the tray.
• Cover the germination tray with a clear plastic bag and place it in a warm room with enough indirect sunlight.

Step 3: Care for the Seeds During Germination

You must maintain ideal care conditions during germination to influence the time they take.

Therefore, you may potentially decrease the slow germination rate. Here are steps to ensure proper germination.

• Mist the seeds everyday using spray bottle to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Excess moisture in the soil harbors fungal diseases. 
• Ensure proper tray covering with a transparent plastic cover or plastic dome to maintain the humidity inside.
• Use a heating pad under the germination tray to keep them warm.
• Maintain the temperature of at least 75°F and high humidity above 60%.
• The initial potting mix will be enough for the seed, so do not fertilize during its germination period.

Do not rush! Wait 2-3 months after germination for the plant to strengthen its roots after which they get ready to be transplanted.

You shall consider transplanting them to a larger pot.

Pro Tip: The efficient season for transplanting Bird of Paradise seedlings would be during the spring or early summer.

Tips to Take Care of Bird of Paradise Seedlings

Bird of Paradise seedlings can be planted outside in frost-free climates, but the young plant must first be established and grown in partial shade.

Likewise, your new Bird of Paradise seedlings might be weak and require a little time with extra care and attention to attain proper growth. 

Do not worry! I got it for you.

• High humidity benefits Bird of Paradise, so ensure routine misting to maintain a higher humidity level.
• Fertilize plants every 2 to 3 months to boost their growth and health. You shall use all-purpose liquid fertilizer after diluting it to its half-strength.
• Water the plant once a day in correspondence to how much light and heat they receive.
• To protect your plant from pests and fungal diseases, use organic pesticides including Neem oil, hand-pick bugs, and wash off leaves occasionally.
• Keep the plant in a warm south-facing window with indirect sunlight, as the south-facing window receives more light.
• Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the plant, keeping it at least 2 inches away from the stem.

After all the havoc you’ll have a colorful plant with several Bird of Paradise benefits ready to add to your home aesthetics.