Strelitzia Starter Kit

Strelitzia starter kit – grow 6 different bird of paradise flowers from seed

Grow your own little collection of bird of paradise flowers right from seed. In this starter kit, we have collected seeds from 6 different Strelitzia species and varieties, along with specialized soil, pots, and organic slow-release fertilizer, so you have the essentials to get off to a good start. Strelitzia originates from southern Africa and is known for its exotic leaves and spectacular flowers. However, the genus contains far more variation than one might initially think. From the classic orange-flowering Strelitzia reginae and the compact dwarf form to the almost leafless Strelitzia juncea and the large Strelitzia nicolai. With this starter kit, you can follow six different types all the way from germination and compare their growth, leaves, and development along the way.

The kit contains

• Strelitzia reginae – the classic bird of paradise flower with orange and blue flowers.
• Strelitzia nicolai – the largest Strelitzia in the kit and an impressive green plant with large, banana-like leaves.
• Strelitzia parvifolia – an exciting and less common Strelitzia with a more narrow-leaved growth habit.
• Strelitzia reginae 'Dwarf' – a more compact form of the classic bird of paradise flower, suitable where space is a bit more limited.
• Strelitzia reginae 'Mandela's Gold' – a special yellow-flowering form of Strelitzia reginae that differs significantly from the classic orange type.
• Strelitzia juncea – a very distinctive species where the adult plants develop almost leafless, rush-like leaf stalks.
• 6 pots – so the different Strelitzia can be sown and grown separately.
• Calathea & Maranta soil – an airy special blend that gives the roots good conditions while retaining necessary moisture.
• Organic slow-release fertilizer – for further cultivation once the small plants are well underway.

Note: The selection of Strelitzia seeds may vary depending on stock status. If one of the mentioned species or varieties is sold out, we reserve the right to replace it with another exciting Strelitzia species or variety of equivalent value.

Growing Strelitzia from seed

Growing Strelitzia from seed requires some patience, but that is also a large part of the pleasure. The seeds are large and distinctive and germinate best under warm conditions. Germination time can vary significantly from seed to seed, so it is perfectly normal that the six types do not appear at the same time. Before sowing, remove the orange tuft (aril) from the seeds if it is still attached. It is beneficial to soak the seeds in lukewarm water for about 24–48 hours, allowing the hard seed coat to absorb water. Sow the seeds individually in the provided pots and keep the soil lightly moist, but not constantly wet. Place the pots in a bright and warm location. A temperature around 25 °C or slightly higher provides good conditions for germination. Once the first plants appear, the truly exciting part begins. Initially, the different Strelitzia may look alike, but as the plants grow, the differences in growth habit and leaves become more apparent.

Six Strelitzia – six different expressions

The kit is curated so that you not only get six portions of Strelitzia seeds but also the opportunity to grow some of the genus's different expressions side by side. Strelitzia reginae represents the classic bird of paradise flower, while 'Dwarf' provides a more compact growth. 'Mandela's Gold' is something quite special with its yellow flowers. Strelitzia nicolai goes in the opposite direction and can eventually develop into an impressively large plant. Strelitzia parvifolia and especially Strelitzia juncea show a completely different side of the genus with narrower and more distinctive foliage. In the adult Strelitzia juncea, the broad leaf blade is greatly reduced, giving the plant its characteristic rush-like appearance.

From seed to exotic plants

Strelitzia thrives in bright light and preferably direct sun once the plants are established. In summer, they benefit from being placed outdoors in a warm and sunny location, where they often reward you with vigorous growth. The included organic slow-release fertilizer can be used once the young plants have gotten well started and established a good root system. This starter kit is therefore suitable both for you who want to try growing Strelitzia for the first time, and for the plant collector who thinks it is more fun to start from scratch. It is also an obvious gift for a plant enthusiast – with a small exotic growing project that can develop for many years.