Question
Hey Tom,
  Thanks for the info on starting "day" lillies from seed. Was very helpfull. I also was interested in starting "canna" lillies from seed.  Is it the same process? Also, if you have any imformation on starting sago palms from seed I'd appreciate info on this also.
  Thanks again,  Mike  

Answer
Hi Mike,
Thanx for your questions.  You can start canna seeds easily.  I use a block sander to slightly rub off a small part of the dark outer shell of the seed which is very hard and expose the whitish seed coating.  This allows the seed to germinate faster (2 weeks or less).  Otherwise, it will take months for the seeds to germinate and the germination will be sporadic.  Plant the seeds one inch deep in good, moist (not soggy) potting soil and keep warm (about 75 degrees F).  The seedlings require a lot of light so starting in the winter can sometimes be a problem.  I put the seedlings underneath a 40-watt shoplight (8 inches beneath) which seemed to help.  The are heavy feeders so after they are 3 or 4 inches tall, feed them with half strenth fish emulsion or 12-12-12 fertilizer every 10 days.  They are not frost tolerant so don't plant out until after the last frost and when soil temps have warmed.  Also, when transfering seedlings to the outdoors, allow the seedlings to spend 10 days in a shaded place that is protected from rain, hail, wind and temperature extremes.  This will acclimate the plant to the outdoors and after that plant in direct sun.

As for the sago palms, here's what I did.  I soaked the seed or 3 days changing the water every day.  After that, I planted them two inches deep in a large pot with rich and moist (not soggy) potting soil).  I kept the room temperatures at around 75 degrees but I believe some bottom warmth will probably help speed germination.  I sealed the pot in a clear plastic container to maintain humidity.  I believe the seeds started sprouting from 30-60 days after I planted them.  While they are babies they need humidity and plenty of water and fertilize them as I directed above.  They are very slow growing like most palms and you have to be very patient.  A more efficient way of propigating them is from the pups that grow around the mother plants trunk base.  I hope this helps.
Tom