TIP:

Kowhai seeds germinate fastest if you collect them when they are young, before the seed pod turns dry and the seeds go rock hard. Otherwise, you can help them germinate by rubbing them on sandpaper to help the water soak in through the tough seed coat (This is called ‘breaking dormancy’). Make sure you sand the side of the seed that is away from the embryo (this shows up as a dark mark on one end of the seed).