Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird of Paradise) seeds

Outstanding, feature plant with long-stalked,bluish-green leaves bearing amazing beak-like, purple, orange and blue flowers.A member of the Banana family, it makes a superb container plant for the patio,greenhouse or conservatory.

Greenhouse perennial (min 10C but can be put outside in summer)
Flowers: Spring
Height: 90cm
Position: Part-shade

Packet of 6 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Pre-sowing Treatment: Remove the orange tuft and soak for 24 hours.

Sowing Instructions: Can be sown at any time of year and as soon as possible after receipt. Sow into pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a 6mm layer of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place and keep at a constant 22-25C. Do not exclude light as this is beneficial to germination and keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take 1-6 months.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, pot on into 7.5cm pots with a good soil based potting compost and grow on in good, natural light. Re-pot as necessary as the seedlings grow but always keep them slightly pot-bound as this encourages flowering. Place outside in the summer but remember to bring them in before the first frosts. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser and water sparingly in winter.