NOTE: This product is a pack of 5 seeds!

How to Germinate Canna Lily Seeds

Growing Canna Lilies from seed is a patient but rewarding process. Like lotus seeds, canna seeds have a very tough, water-impermeable seed coat that must be broken (scarified) before they can germinate. The variety (Dwarf Pink, Indian Shot) does not change the germination method.

1. Understanding the Canna Seed

• Hard Seed Coat: Canna seeds are small, round, black, and famously hard—so hard they are sometimes used as beads and were historically used as musket shot, hence the name "Indian Shot."

• Scarification is Mandatory: The seed cannot absorb water to begin germination until you create an opening in its tough outer shell.

2. The Germination Process

Step 1: Scarification

The goal is to wear away a small part of the black seed coat without damaging the lighter-colored embryo inside.

• Tools:

  • A metal nail file

  • Medium-grit sandpaper

  • Nail clippers (use with extreme care)

• Methods:

  1. Filing/Sanding: This is the safest method. Rub one side of the seed against the file or sandpaper until you wear through the black coat and expose the whitish/tan layer beneath. Stop as soon as you see this color change.

  2. Clipping: Carefully use nail clippers to nip a tiny piece of the seed coat away. This is faster but riskier, as you can easily cut too deep and damage the embryo.

Step 2: Soaking

• Purpose: Once scarified, the seed can now absorb water.

• Method:

  1. Place the scarified seeds in a cup or bowl of very warm (not boiling) water.

  2. Let them soak for 24 to 48 hours. The seeds should swell noticeably, often doubling in size. This is a good sign that your scarification was successful.

  3. If a seed doesn't swell after 48 hours, take it out, dry it, and try scarifying it again in a different spot.

Step 3: Sowing and Sprouting

• When to Start: Start your seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date.

• Planting Medium: Use a seed starting mix or a standard, well-draining potting soil.

• Method:

  1. Fill small pots or a seed tray with moist soil.

  2. Plant one seed per pot, about 1/2 inch deep.

  3. Cover the pots with a plastic dome or plastic wrap to maintain high humidity.

  4. Place the pots in a very warm location. Cannas need heat to germinate. A spot on top of the refrigerator or, ideally, on a heat mat set to 70-75°F (21-24°C) is perfect.

• Timeline: Germination can be erratic. You may see the first sprouts in as little as 1 week, but it can take up to 3 weeks or more. Be patient.

• Care After Sprouting: Once the seeds sprout, remove the plastic cover and place the pots in a location with bright, indirect light, like a sunny windowsill. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

4. Transplanting Outdoors

• Harden Off: After all danger of frost has passed and your seedlings have several sets of leaves, you must acclimate them to outdoor conditions. Do this by placing them outside in a shady, protected spot for a few hours a day, gradually increasing their exposure to sun and wind over the course of a week.

• Planting: Transplant the hardened-off seedlings into a sunny spot in your garden or a larger container. Cannas are heavy feeders and drinkers—they love full sun, rich soil, and consistent moisture.

Note: Canna Lilies grown from seed may not bloom in their first year. They will focus on developing a strong rhizome, and you can expect beautiful blooms in the second year and beyond.