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From Pod to Bloom: My Journey with Pride of Barbados Seeds

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899

Last fall, on September 24, 2024, a dear friend gifted me a brown paper bag filled with dried seed pods from her vibrant Pride of Barbados plant. I was surprised to learn that propagating this stunning plant could be as simple as collecting its pods, storing them over winter, and planting the seeds come spring.​

I wrote a post last fall and here it is already spring! I opened the bag to discover the seeds nestled within the pods. Following advice from fellow gardeners, I soaked the seeds overnight in warm water to soften their hard outer shells, a step known to enhance germination rates. After soaking, I planted them just beneath the surface of well-draining potting soil, ensuring the soil remained moist but not soggy.​

I've placed the pot in a sunny spot and will be misting the soil regularly to maintain the necessary humidity.

Germination can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month, so patience is key.

Interestingly, my friend mentioned that during her first attempt, the seeds didn't sprout until the following year.

This has taught me that gardening often requires persistence and faith in the process.​

I'm excited to watch these seeds grow and hopefully bloom into the same fiery blossoms that inspired me last fall. Stay tuned for updates on their progress!

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Comments(15)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Dorie... until I read this I can't say I'd ever heard of a Pride of Barbados plant, much less recognize one. I'm impressed by your patience and dedication to your plants. While I have all the patience in the world to nurture my pets, that gardening gene has totally escaped me!

Apr 19, 2025 05:06 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

We will see how this venture goes Nina Hollander, Broker ..I know it could be a year or two before blooming but hoping for this year!!

Apr 20, 2025 11:00 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Dorie Dillard Austin TX it sure does take patience, Dorie. I planted a holly tree some years back and it started going downhill very quickly. In any event, I kept trimming back the dead branches and now three years later it's blooming like crazy and you'd never guess it was a death's door.

Apr 21, 2025 05:54 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Dorie - like Nina Hollander, Broker, I was unaware of the Pride of Barbados plant.  Thank you for planting that seed of knowledge.  Unlike my mind that has been known to wilt, may your potted plant bring plenty.  I, for one, admire your green thumb.  

Apr 19, 2025 05:18 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Let's see if they bloom Michael Jacobs ..I know it could be a year or two but am hopeful I'll see something this year.

Apr 20, 2025 10:59 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Dorie. Nina Hollander, Broker aptly described my patience level when it comes to gardening and likely my patience with pets is not much better. Kudos to you! Enjoy your efforts.  

Apr 19, 2025 05:19 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Well I'm going to give it a try Wayne Martin and will see what comes of it!

Apr 20, 2025 10:58 AM
Charles Ross - eXp Realty (Salina Group) | Broker
Salina Group - Salina, KS
Love To Help People

Dorie Dillard, your gardening journey is such a beautiful reminder that patience and hope can bloom into something extraordinary! Can’t wait to see those fiery blossoms shine. 🌺✨ #StayMotivated #GardenJoy #FaithInTheProcess

Apr 19, 2025 05:43 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

True statement Charles Ross - eXp Realty (Salina Group) | Broker 

Apr 20, 2025 10:57 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Gardening definitely takes patience! I look forward to the "after" photo!

Apr 19, 2025 06:06 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Let's hope they come this year Kat Palmiotti ..time will tell!

Apr 20, 2025 10:56 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Of all the places I have ever been Hawaii and Barbados have the most beautiful vibrant flowers. I want some  :)

Apr 19, 2025 06:36 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

They are so beautiful and sway in the breezes Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty 

Apr 20, 2025 10:56 AM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Good morning Dorie! What a lovely journey you're on with the Pride of Barbados seeds. It's fascinating to hear about the process of soaking them and the anticipation of their growth. Your friend's experience definitely highlights the patience that gardening often requires. I admire your dedication and look forward to seeing updates on those fiery blossoms! It's a beautiful reminder that with a little persistence, we can cultivate something truly stunning.

Apr 19, 2025 10:06 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

We will see Dennis Neal !!!

Apr 20, 2025 10:55 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Well this will be a  fun journey for you Dorie.......one I'd enjoy learning more about as you go along.  A friend sent me a packet of flowers and  I'm going to plant them in a pot on our 'shaded' alcove so it doesn't get too hot this summer for them to bloom and thrive. 

Apr 19, 2025 10:49 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

I know it could take a year or two to bloom but I'm being optimistic Anna "Banana" Kruchten and will practice patience.

Apr 20, 2025 10:55 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

We have done the same thing.....we still are waiting for a certain plant to 'get bigger' like the other one we have.  But no, it puts out a few flowers, in fact I see them blooming today, but it just won't grow up big.  I have no idea why.  We've tried everything!

Apr 21, 2025 02:24 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good luck with your spring gardening, Dorie.

I need to select some plants for our home garden.

Apr 19, 2025 10:55 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you Roy!!!

Apr 20, 2025 10:54 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Your gardening journey is inspiring, Dorie Dillard Austin TX! It’s wonderful to see how a simple gift can lead to such a fulfilling experience. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs—it's a beautiful reminder to embrace patience in both gardening and life! 🌱🌺

Apr 19, 2025 11:03 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

You have that right Lew Corcoran ! I will be cautiously optimistic and have patience.

Apr 20, 2025 10:54 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dorie it will be interesting to see pictures of these plants as they grow.

Apr 19, 2025 01:38 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

I know there is a possibility it may take one or two years George Souto but I'm going to remain positive and have patience.

Apr 20, 2025 10:52 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Dorie- What an exciting time.  That's what's so much fun about gardening of any kind...waiting for that first sprout or shoot, and then what comes next!!! I can't wait to watch it grow. 

Apr 19, 2025 01:51 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

My fingers are crossed Kathy Streib !

Apr 20, 2025 10:51 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Inactive/Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - Something I learned a long time ago, is if it doesn't grow the first time you plant it, wait a year or two. Patience is key. The roots have to be strong enough below the ground before you get results. 

I wish you luck!

Apr 20, 2025 04:26 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

I've heard the same thing Patricia Feager so I'm already geared up to have plenty of patience!

Apr 20, 2025 10:51 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Dorie, have never heard of this plant, but hope you see germination this month!

Apr 20, 2025 07:48 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

We will see Joan Cox ..I'm going to remain positive!

Apr 20, 2025 10:50 AM
Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

It's great post, Thank you for sharing! 

 

Have a super fantastic week!

Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP

 

Apr 21, 2025 09:57 AM