Canna lilies are tropical plants appreciated for their vibrant foliage and showy flowers. They naturally produce hard, dense seeds, sometimes nicknamed “shot” due to their resemblance to small pellets. Propagating new plants or saving viable seeds requires a sequence of careful steps, beginning with recognizing the right moment for harvest. Understanding the process from plant to storage ensures the potential for new growth is preserved.
Recognizing Seed Pod Maturity
Determining the precise timing for harvest is important, as picking the seed pods too early results in seeds that are underdeveloped and non-viable. The seed pod’s physical transformation is the clearest indicator of maturity, shifting from a fresh, green, and fleshy state to a dry, brittle capsule. Initially, the developing pods are round and covered in a slightly spiky, green exterior, located where the flower once bloomed.
As the season progresses, the pod begins to lose its moisture and color. It eventually turns brown or black, becoming dry and shriveled, often taking on a texture similar to a dried peanut shell. The fully ripened seed pod will frequently begin to crack or split open, signaling that the seeds are ready to disperse. You may even hear a slight rattling sound if you gently shake the stalk, confirming the hard seeds are loose within the dried shell.
The seeds themselves must be fully mature, appearing as dark brown or glossy black, perfectly rounded spheres. If you open a pod and the seeds are still light-colored, soft, or shriveled, they are not ready. Waiting until the pod is naturally beginning to open ensures that the seeds have reached their peak maturity, maximizing their chance of successful germination.
Removing the Canna Seed Pods
Once the seed pods show the visual cues of a fully dried, brown, and splitting shell, they are ready to be removed. Use a sharp pair of gardening snips or scissors to sever the pod from the flower stalk. Make the cut just below the point where the cluster of seed pods attaches to the main stem.
Handle the dried pods gently during removal and transport, as the seeds inside are often loose and can easily pop out. Place the harvested pods into a container immediately to prevent any mature seeds from scattering and being lost. Avoid gathering any pods that remain green or fleshy, as they have not completed the maturation cycle.
Cleaning and Drying the Seeds
After the mature pods have been collected, the next step is to extract the seeds and ensure they are properly dried for storage. The dried, shriveled pod must be broken open to reveal the seeds within. Gently peel back the dried casing to access the hard, black, and spherical seeds, which are typically found in clusters of one to three per capsule.
Once extracted, the seeds must undergo a secondary drying phase to eliminate residual moisture that could lead to mold or rot during storage. Spread the seeds out in a single layer on a sheet of newspaper, a paper towel, or a fine mesh screen. This arrangement allows for maximum air circulation around each seed.
The seeds should be placed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location, away from direct sunlight. Allow the seeds to air dry for several days to a week. Ensuring the seeds are bone-dry is necessary to maintain long-term viability and preserve the embryo within its tough outer coating.
Preparing Seeds for Storage or Sowing
The final phase involves preparing the hard seeds either for immediate planting or for long-term dormancy. Canna seeds possess an exceptionally durable outer shell, known as the testa, which naturally prevents water from reaching the embryo and inhibits germination. For immediate sowing, this coating must be compromised through a process called scarification.
Mechanical scarification involves gently nicking or scratching the seed coat with a file, sandpaper, or a sharp nail clipper. The goal is to break through the dark, hard shell until a small spot of the lighter-colored inner tissue, the endosperm, becomes visible. This action allows moisture to penetrate the seed, signaling that conditions are favorable for growth.
Following scarification, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 to 48 hours to further soften the coat and initiate hydration. For long-term preservation, the seeds should remain whole and dry to maintain dormancy. Store the thoroughly dried seeds in a breathable container, such as a paper envelope or a glass jar, ensuring the container is clearly labeled with the date and plant variety. Place the container in a cool, dark, and dry environment, such as a basement or a refrigerator, where a consistent temperature helps maintain the seeds’ viability.