Butia capitata seed / inflorescence

[FRITO]

I am interested in how small of a Butia would be to start shooting in first inflorescence.

im thinking about 5 years from a 3 gallon? (under good conditions)

growth rate photos would be awesome as well.

[FRITO]

how many people even have a fruiting BUTIA here! lol

[freakypalmguy]

Hi Luke,

Going off the Butias that I have, your estimation is probably about right. I have two I planted as a fifteen gallons and they both bloomed apx. one year after going in the ground. Neither set seed on the first or second go around.

Matt

[PalmGuyWC]

Luke,

I have 9 Butias and they all have been blooming and fruiting for years. As I recall most were 5 gal. size when planted and some bloomed in less than 5 years. I remember one Butia capitata that bloomed at such an early age that the fruit was resting on the ground.

If you want a good seed set, shake the infloresence when it first opens into a paper bag and put it in a dry place. The female flowers aren't receptive until several days later. Just shake the bag over the female flowers when they reach anthesis and you should get a good seed set.

If you want to try for hybrids, then read the thread on Bujubaegrus and it tells you how to do it.

Dick

[FRITO]

thanks guys. we have tons of older ones around town but no many in that 'teenage' size where ive witnessed a bloom.

I planted a 7 gallon 2 years ago this March. just wondering how long I have.

here it is comming out of winter

Edited March 5, 2009 by FRITO