How To Handle Canna Lilies That Develop Seed Pods?

Canna lily seed pods are green, spiky, round structures that usually contain one to three seeds. Once the seed pods turn yellow to brown, they can be removed and sow them in a potting mixture. To harvest the seeds, wait until the pods are dark and starting to split open, then remove the pods and extract the black seeds.

Canna lily seed germination works best when scarified. Begin germinating by gathering a flower pot, potting mix, canna seeds, water, and a file or piece of paper. Canna lily seeds are non-toxic and grow quickly from seed, making them an interesting and safe project for children.

To germinate canna seeds, place them in a bowl and pour water over them until they are covered by 1 to 2 inches of water. Allow them to remain in the water for five days, which usually takes one to two weeks. Soaking can be done for a minimum of 24 hours.

After the plant flowers, the green seedpods are left on the flower spike. Harvest the seeds when the capsules open and store them indoors over the fall and early winter in a warm, dry spot for sowing next. The easiest method is to submerge the seeds in boiling water for a few moments until they pop open. Bury seeds a ½” deep and apply bottom heat using a heating mat.

When the whole seed pod looks completely dried, it’s time to pick and take the seeds out. The seeds should be completely black or dark.