The pink banana Musa velutina and the Darjeeling banana Musa sikkimensis both start from hard seeds that need preparation. The two bananas do not have exactly the same temperature requirements, so follow the section for the species you bought.
Before sowing
Prepare clean containers with drainage holes and a light seed-sowing mix. Moisten the mix before placing the seeds, and label each container with the species and date. If the packet gives newer, batch-specific instructions, check them before you start.
Musa velutina
Lightly rub the hard coat of Musa velutina seeds with sandpaper, without reaching the inside. Soak for 12 hours in room-temperature water. Sow in moist seed-sowing mix and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep at 25–30°C with steady, gentle moisture and no standing water at the bottom. Ventilate daily if you use a cover. TROPICA states that germination can begin in about 3 weeks, while at lower temperatures it may take 5–10 weeks. After germination, give plenty of light without sudden exposure to strong sun. Transplant carefully into a roomy pot once the first true leaves have formed.
Musa sikkimensis
Lightly rub the hard coat of Musa sikkimensis seeds with sandpaper, without damaging the inside. Soak for 12 hours in room-temperature water. Sow in moist seed-sowing mix and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep at 22–30°C with gentle, steady moisture, ventilating regularly if you use a cover. TROPICA states about 3 weeks in favourable warmth, although at lower temperatures it may take 5–10 weeks. After germination, give the seedlings a bright spot and gradually acclimatise them to the sun. Once they have strengthened, transplant into a roomy container and protect the young plants from the cold.
Moisture, ventilation and checks
Check the containers regularly. The mix should stay moist without water pooling. If you use a clear cover, ventilate it daily. Do not dig to look for roots, as you may damage the young shoot. The times given are approximate and do not guarantee that all seeds will sprout at the same time.
After germination
Remove the cover gradually, provide enough light and follow the species-specific instructions. Transplant once the plant has strengthened, keeping the root system as intact as possible. Germination is only the start of growing; a mature tree, a bonsai or flowering takes more time and proper care.
Seeds from the product “Pink Banana Seeds – Musa velutina, 8 seeds” are available on our website by clicking here.
Seeds from the product “Darjeeling Banana Seeds – Musa sikkimensis, 5 seeds” are available on our website by clicking here.
