Pandanus help

[CJ Subtropical]

Hi All

I am looking at growing some Pandanus from seed - there are a few plants with seed pods on my street and I'd like to collect seed from them

With the above in mind, I'd appreciate some assistance as far as when to harvest the seed, germination tips, growth medium etc is concerned

Thank you for your assistance

Corlius

[tropicbreeze]

Do you know which species they are? Generally Pandanus are the easiest thing to grow from seed. The seeds are enclosed in a hard wooden capsule/pod. You don't have to get them out (which is near to impossible). Just place the whole thing on any good garden soil and keep moist. Your Durban climate would suit most Pandanus species.

[The Silent Seed]

I have done this before - taking fruit from a random tree along the street - I planted them, and waited for a couple of months, and got sick of waiting, and recycled the dirt. A few months later, they were coming up all over the place - So, in my experience, they were easy, but took a long time. Do not plant them deep, and don't keep too wet. I found many that had sprouted, and then rotted, when I saw that they were growing. (Since I wasn't expecting it.)

Anyone know how long the seeds are good for? I think they need to be fresh?

[CJ Subtropical]

Do you know which species they are? Generally Pandanus are the easiest thing to grow from seed. The seeds are enclosed in a hard wooden capsule/pod. You don't have to get them out (which is near to impossible). Just place the whole thing on any good garden soil and keep moist. Your Durban climate would suit most Pandanus species.

I must be honest, I do not know which species. I see them growing around town on street corners etc, but need to do some research on how they arrived here or where they came from. Would it help if I posted some pics of a few plants? I can't find too much information on the Internet about them

Should I wait for the seed pod to fall off the tree before planting it, or how would I know whether they are ready to harvest from the tree?

Edited March 23, 2014 by CJ Subtropical

[tropicbreeze]

I'd wait until they start falling. Post some photos, the whole plants and the seed clusters as well. I'd guess it could be P. tectorius, but a photo would be more positive.

How long seeds are viable could be dependent on species. The ones that I've dealt with seem to be okay for a reasonable time, but not for years.

[FNQ Marcus]

I used to grow a variety of native Australian palms at the Nursery I work for.

As long as they are ripe ( Falling appart) they are very easy.

Just lay the segments on a tray of seed raising mix, half cover with more mix, protect them from rats, keep them moist and wait.

Germination is often sporadic, and I found it easier to pot them on early, so there is less risk of root damage.