Hello! 

This is my first ever post on this forum. I am still a newbie when it comes to growing palms. I had purchased some seeds online and thought I would try to grow some palms. I purchased these types

Archontophoenix alexandrae (Alexander Palm), Syagrus Romanzoffianum ( Queen Palm), Washingtonia Robusta (Mexican Fan Palm) and
Wodyetia bifurcata (Foxtail Palm).

So far the only ones that germinated were the washingtonias (all 35 of them). The picture posted is from one of the washingtonia robusta seedlings.

Could someone tell me what to expect next. 

 

 

Expect one green strap leaf that resembles a blade of grass soon. Washingtonians grow quickly! Within one year you’ll have palmate fronds! 

Thank you! I am looking forward to the growth and transformation of these. Hopefully the others will germinate soon too and hope to share some of the progress on here.

Welcome to the forum, Brian.  It's good to see you here and congratulations on your results!

12 hours ago, bgifford said:

Archontophoenix alexandrae (Alexander Palm), Syagrus Romanzoffianum ( Queen Palm), Washingtonia Robusta (Mexican Fan Palm) and
Wodyetia bifurcata (Foxtail Palm).

So far the only ones that germinated were the washingtonias (all 35 of them). The picture posted is from one of the washingtonia robusta seedlings.

Don't expect the same germination rate for all of these palms.  The Washingtonias are pretty easy and sometimes germinate within a week.  It will likely take longer for the others - I've germinated all of these myself but I don't recall how long it took for them.  It might take a few months so don't give up on them too quickly!

Jon

I expected some of them to take a lot longer. Especially the Wodyetia. Those seeds are solid as a rock.

What are the growth rates of the other palms (what to expect once they germinate withing the the first year). I will have a Greenhouse up and operating by mid summer to house everything throughout the next winter.

Thank you

These all grow pretty fast compared to other species, but that term is relative.  These are my Wodyetia seedlings - I think 1 year after germinating.  These pushed their first pinnate leaves early on.  The one on the left is a bit behind the other and you can see the V-shaped juvenile leaves that first appear as apposed to the grass-like strap leaves of the Washingtonia and Syagrus.  Make sure you leave the big seed attached so the new seedling can get the nutrients it needs.

 

 

This Syagrus below I think is 2-3 years from germination (same sized 1-gal container), but it stayed in a community pot crowded with several other seedlings too long so that probably slowed it down some.  I've seen 4-5' tall queens in 3-gal containers so they don't have massive root systems.  I think the Syagrus isn't so fast initially, but picks up the speed once it gets some size to it.  Hope this is helpful.

Jon

Oh wow. This helps tremendously. Now I am really looking forward to them germinating and growing. At what point do you suggest that they should be moved into full sun? I know that I need to acclimate them to full sun but I was wondering.

On a side note, I have a Trachycarpus fortunei that is almost 4ft tall. I want to plant it outside but at what point do you think temperatures (daytime highs and night time lows) are ok for me to do so. It is potted up right now in front of a big south facing window.

Thank you again for all this awesome help.

17 minutes ago, bgifford said:

Oh wow. This helps tremendously. Now I am really looking forward to them germinating and growing. At what point do you suggest that they should be moved into full sun? I know that I need to acclimate them to full sun but I was wondering.

On a side note, I have a Trachycarpus fortunei that is almost 4ft tall. I want to plant it outside but at what point do you think temperatures (daytime highs and night time lows) are ok for me to do so. It is potted up right now in front of a big south facing window.

Thank you again for all this awesome help.

Glad to be of help.  Here in Texas I need to be more conscious of the strong sun so I try to keep seedlings in afternoon shade with only morning sun.  I personally wouldn't want to expose young seedlings to full sun (even in KY) during the first year.  If they're going into a greenhouse exposed to full sun I would use some shade cloth for them.  I think the Trachy might do OK for you in 6b once it's established.  Is it 4 feet overall height (including crown of leaves)?  If it's overall height, you'll probably need to provide it some winter protection at least for the first couple of winters.  You probably get similar weather to Knoxville, TN where I'm from, but I never grew any palms outside there.  I'm only guessing here, but I'd wait until you're confident that the temp won't go below 25º to plant it outside but still protect it from cold rain.

Jon

I plan on protecting the Trachy as good as possible once I get it outside. Its 4 foot total height ( I never know what is meant when someone says that the palm is for example 6 foot. Does that usually mean 6 ft trunk or overall height including crown).

Again, I appreciate all the help so far and I am glad I found a place that is as crazy and even more crazy about palms as I am. 

I used to live in Florida (zone 10a) and it has been tough not to be able to see palms everyday. But with a forum full of people that can help me understand thing better and learn new things, I am bringing the palms up here to me.

Fusca is right on about some seeds taking longer to germinate and not giving up. He has posted some wonderful pictures of some if his plants. Very knowledgeable, and always willing to share his experiences.

I've germinated alot if different palm seeds, always wondering if anything will happen, then finding myself with more than I imagined, but they do make nice gifts to friends and neighbors.

I read everything I can find and not afraid to ask questions. You'll find that alot if these other palm enthusiasts are more than willing to share their knowledge.

I reside in NYS so my palms I grow in pots, indoors during the winter, but most do very well. I get alot if light and keep humidity comfortable for them. No mites, no scale, with proper care no problems at all. Sometimes waiting for germination seems to take a while, but to watch the transformation from the seed to full palmate fronds makes it worth it.

I'm including pics, one of a W. robusta that is about 5 months from seed, which I too have many. Also of the W.filifera, that was taken about 2 weeks after sowing. Fusca was kind enough to collect the seeds of these and send them to me. And the last us Adonidia, Christmas palm that are about 2 weeks from sowing. 

Sorry was hard to find a good spot to take the first picture, as you can see my house is full to the brim.

But they all seem to be quick growers for me, considering my location, but you'll notice I get alot if natural light in my house.

23 minutes ago, Mostapha said:

I'm including pics, one of a W. robusta that is about 5 months from seed, which I too have many. Also of the W.filifera, that was taken about 2 weeks after sowing. Fusca was kind enough to collect the seeds of these and send them to me. And the last us Adonidia, Christmas palm that are about 2 weeks from sowing. 

Those are great photos Mark - I wish I had the lighting that you've got, but then again my summer A/C bill would be a lot higher than it already is!  Your "jungle" is looking good!  At least you've got room to play your piano!  You've got some good germination going - glad to see the washy's taking off.  Have your Chamaerops germinated yet?  I forgot to ask you about them.

Jon

Thank you. The first if the W. Robusta I just took. Pretty good light for NYS in the dead of winter, huh? Anticipating when it will go palmate. Like everything else I have a bunch if them. Singles and triplets.i have to check the chamaerops, thanks for the reminder. Usually just make sure they do not dry out.

I think bgifford might like the Adonidia they are pretty quick, and the season is perfect for fresh seeds. I received mine fresh from the parent, just soaked and clean them. I currently have about 45/50 that have germinated. The ones in the pic were done on the coffee pot/ germination station. Like I said if it works..don't fix it.

These are my triangles, geminated on the radiator/ cookie sheet method. Lol. Obviously didn't blast them with heat. No mites or any other problems.  And my C.himalaya Maxima. Probable another that shouldnt be growing in NYS. She's a fast one.

Once you start germinating palms or any plant a whole new world opens up.

@ mostapha, Those are amazing pictures of all those Palms. I agree that once they germinate, everything just becomes even more awesome. I am still at the very early stage but with my palms but they are growing.  Adonidi's look great. What would be a good place to get some seeds that are fresh. 

Thank you. I purchased mine from E-bay. I got 50 for 15.00 free shipping. These came bright red fresh from the parent plant. Actually a very pretty seed, hense the name Christmas palm, the seeds/fruit looks just like red Christmas lights. 

Sent you a pm.

Today i was checking on the other seeds and i saw that a couple of the Wodyetia Bifurcat seeds were sprouting. Exciting times. Also, the washingtonias are all pushing their grass like first leaf.  

 

Congrats, your a father. The washingtonias grow really fast, you'll practically be able to watch them grow day by day. Foxtails a little slower but you will enjoy watching them grow in to really nice palm. It doesn't take long.

Mark

Your queens should start soon, if they haven't already. That's if they are viable seeds. They germinate pretty quick for me. Once the first one showed germination the others followed pretty fast.

You're going to enjoy this new hobby, also watch the freebies section, alot if good seeds come up, that you may not be able to find. Some very generous people sharing seed as well as their knowledge.

So here is where things are right now.

All washingtonias are growing. The picture is from today. The picture at the beginning of this Post was from January 31st (I believe that I started them in ziploc baggies on January 17th or 18th so I am extremely happy with this).

My Wodyetia bifurcata are all germinated and growing nice roots and I potted them up today after leaving them in their germination chamber (a big clear rubber tote with lid).

I also decided to throw in a  Phoenix dactylifera (medjool) seed from some Date that my wife bought at the store. That one is going crazy with its tap root.

Sadly none of the other two species germinated. But I'll leave them and see what happens. Maybe I just had a bad batch of seeds or I didn't give them the best conditions. 

 

7 hours ago, bgifford said:

So here is where things are right now.

All washingtonias are growing. The picture is from today. The picture at the beginning of this Post was from January 31st (I believe that I started them in ziploc baggies on January 17th or 18th so I am extremely happy with this).

My Wodyetia bifurcata are all germinated and growing nice roots and I potted them up today after leaving them in their germination chamber (a big clear rubber tote with lid).

I also decided to throw in a  Phoenix dactylifera (medjool) seed from some Date that my wife bought at the store. That one is going crazy with its tap root.

Sadly none of the other two species germinated. But I'll leave them and see what happens. Maybe I just had a bad batch of seeds or I didn't give them the best conditions.

The date palm will make a great addition, but be wary of the spines when they start putting out pinnate fronds.  Trim with safety glasses

Great results in only a few weeks. Those results are usually not typical. Palm seeds can take months to germinate. Don't give up on the others. Queens can grow like weeds.

10 hours ago, kinzyjr said:

The date palm will make a great addition, but be wary of the spines when they start putting out pinnate fronds.  Trim with safety glasses

Thank you for the heads up on the spines. 

1 hour ago, PalmatierMeg said:

Great results in only a few weeks. Those results are usually not typical. Palm seeds can take months to germinate. Don't give up on the others. Queens can grow like weeds.

Thank you! I was really surprised when the robustas germinated within the first week. I kept them in a hot contained environment to germinate at about 90 to 92 degrees. I expected them to got germinate for a long time and was actually not ready. But it is exciting. I am looking forward to some nice growth. Whenever the Queens germinate, I'll be ready.