Sabal palmetto palm Seedlings

[James Robert]

Well, My very first time grow palms from seed. 40  days ago planted 35 sabal palmetto seeds in 3 different pots.

Covered tops with plastic wrap, made sure they were watered. 

They were in my garage here in Greenville SC.  Now I'm not sure what to do. I took the plastic wrap off, and found 15 have came up,some 1.5 to 2". Some still breaking dirt.Do I leave plastic off. Do I need to give light now, they been in the dark. Do I put outside. Need all the info.

I'm excited 

[kinzyjr]

When seedlings start poking up through the ground, I typically give them at least a few hours of filtered light per day and gradually acclimate them to more light. 

[James Robert]

Thanks, Do I take outside, garage has no windows,  Temp in garage 72 degrees. 

Outside 61 degrees. I could open garage door and set them if needed.

I do have a small grow light if needed.

Or should I gradually take outside. 

[kinzyjr]

9 minutes ago, James Robert said:

Thanks, Do I take outside, garage has no windows,  Temp in garage 72 degrees. 

Outside 61 degrees. I could open garage door and set them if needed.

I do have a small grow light if needed.

Or should I gradually take outside. 

 

The only downside I've had thus far with taking them outside or opening the garage is the birds and squirrels getting into my seedlings.  If you have something to cover the pots and let light in, that will negate their interference.  A grow light might work well.  I don't personally use any of them, but a lot of growers further north do.  @Rickybobby comes to mind.

[Rickybobby]

I’m not a fan of wrapping them up. You get no air movement which causes mold. Also I use a led grow light from the beggining and the palms will grow towards it. None of these lights are brighter than the sun so there’s no worry’s usually on burning them. I have one palmetto specifically never been outside in it’s life. Stays indoors warm. Has a light and it’s ahead of the game for a palmetto   Good luck