Hello,

I tried, unsuccessfully, to search for this topic.

Question: In my local Texas supermarket, I see two types of coconuts. This always have the outer husk remove. One is a nearly white, and is smaller----the other is the expected brown, and is larger.

So, what varieties am I looking at? And are either, more likely to germinate?

Thanks for your consideration.

Denis

The white ones are picked unripe and are typically used for the water, whereas the brown ones are picked ripe. If you plan to sprout them you can try with the brown ones, but it's difficult with the dehusked coconuts in general.

Thanks Zeeth,

That explains the difference.

I don't expect these to germinate. On that subject, this interest in germinating Palm seeds is rather ridiculous, in view of the artificial germination rate, and the length required for a possible success.

And, one of my brown nuts is developing a horizontal crack in what is now the outer shell.

Thanks Zeeth,

That explains the difference.

I don't expect these to germinate. On that subject, this interest in germinating Palm seeds is rather ridiculous, in view of the artificial germination rate, and the length required for a possible success.

And, one of my brown nuts is developing a horizontal crack in what is now the outer shell.

I think it's appealing to be able to grow palms from seed, both from the price point (often free if you have a good botanical garden nearby), and also being able to say that you grew your large mature palm from seed. Also, it's often much easier to get some species by this method.

Thanks Zeeth,

That explains the difference.

I don't expect these to germinate. On that subject, this interest in germinating Palm seeds is rather ridiculous, in view of the artificial germination rate, and the length required for a possible success.

And, one of my brown nuts is developing a horizontal crack in what is now the outer shell.

I think it's appealing to be able to grow palms from seed, both from the price point (often free if you have a good botanical garden nearby), and also being able to say that you grew your large mature palm from seed. Also, it's often much easier to get some species by this method.

Exactly Zeeth. It takes patience to cultivate palms (as well as in many other horticultural pursuits). I have coconuts planted that I have been waiting on for almost 8 months. Only one is just now starting to push a few roots (I pulled it and checked last week). Finally

I do believe that a horizontal crack in a planted coconut to be an early indicator of germination as I have noticed that in the horizontally planted coconuts I have had that have subsequently germinated.

Hello,

I tried, unsuccessfully, to search for this topic.

Question: In my local Texas supermarket, I see two types of coconuts. This always have the outer husk remove. One is a nearly white, and is smaller----the other is the expected brown, and is larger.

So, what varieties am I looking at? And are either, more likely to germinate?

Thanks for your consideration.

Denis

The smaller white one is an Onion.

Steve,

Certainly, that's what it is. Now I know why that one sprouted so readily. What kind of a tree (Palm), do you think it will look like?

A leek tree?