Cold stratification

[CoconutHead]

I’m starting some Washingtonia filifera and Washingtonia robusta and Sabal palmetto from seed. The Washingtonia seeds I got recommend cold stratification. I’m not reading anywhere else that really recommends it for these palms. I’m doing it anyway but curious about others input. Could a side effect be that it makes them more cold hardy? I’m in 7a in Pennsylvania and read that Palms Won’t Grow Here book by David Francko so it inspired me. If they die, I’m out $10 and have a story to tell. Anyone growing these in Pennsylvania?

[Las Palmas Norte]

No requirement for cold stratification for any of those seeds you've mentioned. Also, that method does nothing to "makes them more cold hardy?"

[Dwarf Fan]

Definitely no cold stratification needed for Washies LOL! They just hit the ground and sprout like weeds!

 

“Could a side effect be that it makes them more cold hardy?”

NOPE.

“I’m in 7a inPennsylvania and read that Palms Won’t Grow Here”

That is correct Washys will not grow outdoors in 7A Pennsylvania. They will die without protection.

[CoconutHead]

10 hours ago, Dwarf Fan said:

Definitely no cold stratification needed for Washies LOL! They just hit the ground and sprout like weeds!

 

“Could a side effect be that it makes them more cold hardy?”

NOPE.

“I’m in 7a inPennsylvania and read that Palms Won’t Grow Here”

That is correct Washys will not grow outdoors in 7A Pennsylvania. They will die without protection.

The author of the book claims it can be done, with protection that is, although that protection could be mulch, wind breaks, etc.; that it doesn’t have to be a heated greenhouse. I may be disappointed, but I’ll try.

[Las Palmas Norte]

3 hours ago, CoconutHead said:

The author of the book claims it can be done, with protection that is, although that protection could be mulch, wind breaks, etc.; that it doesn’t have to be a heated greenhouse. I may be disappointed, but I’ll try.

There isn't a person here that hasn't had disappointments. Fortunately, on-line forums such as this exist which may help to alleviate some of the pitfalls. My early days as a palm enthusiast was nothing like today.

[Dwarf Fan]

13 hours ago, CoconutHead said:

The author of the book claims it can be done, with protection that is, although that protection could be mulch, wind breaks, etc.; that it doesn’t have to be a heated greenhouse. I may be disappointed, but I’ll try.

If you are dead set on growing Washingtonias in 7a try growing in pots first so they are easy to move inside and you can enjoy them at least until they get too cumbersome.

If you plan on planting in ground and don’t mind doing the labor every year, sure you can grow them until they are too tall to protect. But keep in mind eventually you will end up with a “Texas Telephone Pole” that you will have to pay someone to remove:

[CoconutHead]

On 8/6/2024 at 11:39 AM, Las Palmas Norte said:

There isn't a person here that hasn't had disappointments. Fortunately, on-line forums such as this exist which may help to alleviate some of the pitfalls. My early days as a palm enthusiast was nothing like today.

So after cold stratifying for 30 days and planting seeds at 1” depth, none have sprouted in 4 weeks. The package says germinates in 7-14 days, but it also said to cold stratify, so not sure how reliable that is. I may need to order another packet of filifera and robusta.

[Las Palmas Norte]

2 hours ago, CoconutHead said:

So after cold stratifying for 30 days and planting seeds at 1” depth, none have sprouted in 4 weeks. The package says germinates in 7-14 days, but it also said to cold stratify, so not sure how reliable that is. I may need to order another packet of filifera and robusta.

Can't says I've heard of cold stratifying Washingtonia seeds before. I've always gone straight to moist soil medium and at least plenty of daytime heating for germination. Cooling at night.

[Advective]

On 9/29/2024 at 4:23 PM, CoconutHead said:

So after cold stratifying for 30 days and planting seeds at 1” depth, none have sprouted in 4 weeks. The package says germinates in 7-14 days, but it also said to cold stratify, so not sure how reliable that is. I may need to order another packet of filifera and robousta.

Did you plant them straight in the ground or in a pot? I use a heating pad for washingtonia, planting them in those Jiffy peat pellets, and they'll sprout in 1-2 weeks. Get a pad that is UL-listed.

Turn off the heating pad at night to simulate natural conditions, as @Las Palmas Norte alluded to