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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.

Generally, you can extract Bird of Paradise seeds after the plant blooms and dries out. Perform the pre-germination process before planting the seeds and sow them in well-draining soil with a temperature of 75°F and high humidity above 60% for successful germination.
Bird of Paradise seeds
Bird of Paradise produces exotic seeds with orange tuft on the top.

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.

When given the best conditions, Bird of Paradise takes at least eight weeks to germinate from its seeds.

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

IndicatorDescription
ColorShiny black or brown with woolly orange tuft
SizeLarge seeds of size 1.5 cm
ShapeGlobular or Ellipsoidal
WeightApprox. 0.55 g
Blossoming SeasonAutumn through spring
BlossomDifferent colored flowers with shape of birds neck and head
PatternTrunkless, clump forming pattern of growth
Harvest TimeWhen the seedpods are mature, i.e., turns dark brown and is usually during spring time
Growing TimeFor indoors: Any preferred time
For outdoors: 12-16 weeks before planting out
Conducive Temperature55°F to 65°F
Germination TimeAt least 8 weeks

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.

Seed formation can take anywhere from four to five months after the flower blossoms to get your hands on them.
Generally, Bird of Paradise produces seeds after successful pollination. Therefore, to increase the chances of effective pollination, you shall place your plants outdoors when they bloom.
Bird of Paradise seedpods
After the flower wilts down and turns brown, the seedpods expose its seed contents.

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.
Opened seedpods of Bird of Paradise
Carefully cut the seedpod using sharp shear to release the seed.
  • 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. 

It is still possible to obtain seeds without drying the flower. But drying makes the process far easier.

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.

SitesShipping Details
EtsyShipping within 1-2 business day
ABC StoresTakes 10-15 days to deliver
Outside PrideShips within a day
Sheffield's Seed CompanyShipping in 3-4 business days
Plant World SeedsShips within 7 working days

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.

Get your viable seeds ready and begin the process with the onset of early fall when the seeds are more likely to germinate.

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

Extracted seeds of Bird of Paradise
You need to soak the seeds before germinating them.

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

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.

Conclusion

Growing Bird of Paradise is a bit complicated, but undeniably worthwhile. So keep in mind the requirements for successful propagation.

The pre-germination process is vital for Bird of Paradise, and I hope you will get it right and get rewarded with brand-new seedlings.

Good Luck!!

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