From seed, plants given ideal conditions will flower within 3 years. To get a mature flowering plant from seed takes about three to five years. For best results sow fresh seed in spring. Sow in seedtrays filled with a well-drained soil medium at a depth of 1,5 times the size of the seed. A constant temperature of 25 C is most suitable for germination as low temperatures retard germination.
Germination takes four to eight weeks.
Young strelitzia plants must be grown in shade, for the leaves tend to burn in direct sunlight. Regular repotting allows the young plant to develop rapidly. Restricting the root development retards growth. Mandela's Gold A beautiful yellow form of Strelitzia reginae was selected recently. To increase the amount of seed most strelitzia flowers are hand pollinated at Kirstenbosch.