Bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae) - Buy 10 Seeds?

Family: Strelitziaceae
Latin name: Strelitzia reginae
Dutch name: Bird of Paradise flower
Origin: South Africa

Handsome species for the patio with overwhelmingly beautiful, orange flowers that appear after about four years. The plant, which grows up to 1.50 metres in a tub, does not like wet feet, needs to hibernate frost-free and desires a fairly tight pot. From the leaves, it is easy to see that the species is related to the banana and this tropical 'look' makes it a must for the tropical garden. The minimum temperature for the species is around 5 degrees Celsius.

Sowing description: First remove the orange fluff from the seeds. Then soak the seeds 24-48 hours in lukewarm water and sow in sowing soil. Keep soil constantly moist, cover with cling film or glass and let germinate in a warm place indoors (25-30grC is optimal). Germination can take several months.

Sowing time: Year-round
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celsius