Growing Washingtonia Filifera in a community pot

[KPoff]

Has anyone on here ever germinated Washingtonia Filifera seeds in a community pot and separated later? I’m not concerned about if they will germinate or not it’s more a question of will I kill them all when I separate them? I’ve read they are very temperamental about their roots being disturbed as opposed to sabals which do fine separating from a community pot. I harvested a massive amount off of a 25’ tree in west Texas that survived 2021 unprotected so it is tough and likely pure filifera. Thanks for the feedback.

[jwitt]

I have a hard time doing the separation of seedlings direct sowed into the ground.  If they survive, they seem to be setback for a year or two, until roots are reestablished. 

That said, I have had great success direct sowing. Undisturbed root growth, ultimately important to this species, seems to be a key to success in my climate.  Keep the keepers, kill in place the weaklings ....

All that said, it never hurts to try, but they grow roots, and roots, and roots.  They get "shocky" when small and roots are massively disturbed. 

[KPoff]

15 minutes ago, jwitt said:

I have a hard time doing the separation of seedlings direct sowed into the ground.  If they survive, they seem to be setback for a year or two, until roots are reestablished. 

That said, I have had great success direct sowing. Undisturbed root growth, ultimately important to this species, seems to be a key to success in my climate.  Keep the keepers, kill in place the weaklings ....

All that said, it never hurts to try, but they grow roots, and roots, and roots.  They get "shocky" when small and roots are massively disturbed. 

@jwitt there’s an empty field at the end of the street I’m considering spreading them out in. If they grow great and if not then oh well. That’s how many I got off that tree, thousands.

[jwitt]

12 hours ago, KPoff said:

@jwitt there’s an empty field at the end of the street I’m considering spreading them out in. If they grow great and if not then oh well. That’s how many I got off that tree, thousands.

I have had success direct sowing in my colder climate here as late as early August.  Even surviving single digits that young! I have seen a study of pure filifera seedlings surviving -6f unprotected. 

My best advice is to sow them as soon as dafodils are blooming in your area. That is when the ground is warm enough.  Your empty field scenario would be great, just need supplemental water to get established. 

Hey, about those seeds. Filifera seeds, even strong filifera hybrids are in high demand.  Hint, hint!! Post a pic of momma, temps she has seen, set the hook! 

Make trades, money, or just spread your West Texas joy!

[Harry’s Palms]

I have not had any trouble with Washingtonia seedlings . I dug one up earlier this year to send to a friend . It was just a strap leaf seedling that popped up on my hill. I took the dirt off the roots by gently rinsing in water and planted it in a small pot for recovery . There was no set back at all . It is now ready to send to its new home. Harry

[KPoff]

2 hours ago, jwitt said:

I have had success direct sowing in my colder climate here as late as early August.  Even surviving single digits that young! I have seen a study of pure filifera seedlings surviving -6f unprotected. 

My best advice is to sow them as soon as dafodils are blooming in your area. That is when the ground is warm enough.  Your empty field scenario would be great, just need supplemental water to get established. 

Hey, about those seeds. Filifera seeds, even strong filifera hybrids are in high demand.  Hint, hint!! Post a pic of momma, temps she has seen, set the hook! 

Make trades, money, or just spread your West Texas joy!

@jwitt I’ve definitely got enough to share. The mother is probably 25’ tall or so and the trunk diameter is 2.5-3’ at the bottom I would say. Not sure on age but I would guess somewhere between 20 and 30 years? The coldest extremes I’m sure it has seen is 2021 where it saw -2 F and 8-9 days below freezing. I don’t believe it’s ever been protected. If you want some seeds just message me an address to send them to. I don’t have a greenhouse to start a bunch of seedlings unfortunately. This is just an enjoyable hobby to me and yes spread the west Texas love!

[SeanK]

I started mine in a baggie. First two popped in about two weeks. Second two popped in 6 weeks (total time).

I purchased these from a CA native plant source on Etsy in 2024. Just germinated them this year.

Also - these are the cheap pots I start plants in.  About 4" across the top and 5" deep.