Information about germination

[adriancean]

Hi.My name is Adrian,im from Romania and in a few days I'll put some seeds (Washingtonia robusta,Washingtonia filifera,Trachycarpus wagnerianus and Trachycarpus Fortunei) to germinate.The seeds will be put in Jiffy pellets.If you can give me some information about these seeds and their germination (temperature, humidity, etc) would be great. Thanks.

[Eric F]

Washingtonias are well known for germinating in the cracks in sidewalks, in areas exposed to full sun. Think hot. Keep in mind that they are remote germinators, so a loose mix will be needed to allow them to sink the embryo or you will just end up with a spiral root coming out the of the seed, continually pushing against the pellet top and rotating the seed.

I have not germinated any Trachycarpus for about 15 years, so I can't remember my experiences with them at this time. I suspect that they needed lower germination temperatures, given the climate that they come from (rocky mountainsides in China).

Good luck!

[adriancean]

Thanks for you're answer.What type of soil is best for palm? After transplanting, what kind of soil should I use?

[Grasswing]

Hello, greetings to Romania. Trachycarpus needs a bit lower temperature. I have experience that I had him in germination box with about 35 °C and they didn't germinated. I tried to combine hot and colder temperatures (23°C) and they germinated. I don't know if it will work in your case, but if your Trachy will not germinate try my method.

Washingtonias are easy and fast germinating so you will have success.

I don't know if it is good idea to plant seeds to Jiffy pellets, all time I used them they got dry very fast... Try ziplock bags or normal pots i think that would be better. In that case, fill pots or ziplocks with coco peat that is the best soild for seeds. When you will transplant them, use normal soil for houseplants mixed with sand. Soil : sand = 2:1. Those palms are easy to grow so they don't need any big specialities. You can find special soil for palms in hobby markets too.

Regards

Andrew

[adriancean]

Can I use normal soil mixed with perlite? Or with vermiculite?

[Grasswing]

Yes you can too.

[adriancean]

Which of the two would be better?

Edited April 3, 2013 by adriancean

[Grasswing]

Well, I think that coco peat is little bit better, but some members may not agree...

[adriancean]

I meant the soil that I use after transplantation, perlite or vermiculite mixed with normal soil?

[Grasswing]

I don't know, both are good...

[rick]

The choice of perlite vs vermiculite depends on the soil you are mixing it with. They both will aerate the soil but vermiculite tends to hold more moisture than perlite.

[adriancean]

Keep in mind that they are remote germinators, so a loose mix will be needed to allow them to sink the embryo or you will just end up with a spiral root coming out the of the seed, continually pushing against the pellet top and rotating the seed.

You mean pellets are too small as height and seed will be pushed out by the root?

[Eric F]

If the medium is too dense, the seed does not have enough weight to sink the embryo, so the seed will just keep trying to push it down, but the embryo will develop in a spiral shape around the seed. Does that make sense?

[Grasswing]

If the medium is too dense, the seed does not have enough weight to sink the embryo, so the seed will just keep trying to push it down, but the embryo will develop in a spiral shape around the seed. Does that make sense?

Yes, this is my experience and because of that I don't recommend the Jiffy pellets.

[adriancean]

If the medium is too dense, the seed does not have enough weight to sink the embryo, so the seed will just keep trying to push it down, but the embryo will develop in a spiral shape around the seed. Does that make sense?

Yes, this is my experience and because of that I don't recommend the Jiffy pellets.

Ok. I'll use the higher pots! Can I mix peat with cocopeat? Only until germinate! Thanks!

Edited April 6, 2013 by adriancean

[Grasswing]

I think that it is not neccesary, I think it diminishes the effect of cocopeat. Cocopeat is great because of its water absorption.

[cristi]

Germinaton: Washingtonia and Trachycarpus are easy to germinate if the seeds are good. I used a room temperature for Trachycarpus (20-23C) and germinate in 2 weeks. I didn't try Washingtonia but from what I've heard you can apply the general rules for palm gerniation: 25 C and high humidity.

Palm soil: In Romania (as you know ) is very hard to find vermiculite or perlite, but if you find it is very expensive. I always use a mix, never only one type of material. My successful formula until now is: peat, sand (very important), coarse sand, wood bark, wood chpis, coco peat, small crushed bricks (instead exotic rocks because they are light and increase drainage very good). I am always careful to good drainage and the soil not to be too dense and heavy. I've been growing palms in containers, indoor for about 7 years, not many fails until now. I am not professional only a big palm lover.

In my opinion, don't use only peat, especially that high organic type that you can find in romanian market. It contains milions of fungus and bacterias ready to "eat" every little seedling.

There are many experienced persons in this forum and tons of very useful information. So, good luck, you're in the right place.

[adriancean]

Thanks Cristi! I sent you a message!

[adriancean]

What do you recommend, leave pot with seeds covered with foil or free?

[adriancean]

I checked a germinated Trachycarpus Wagnerianus seed but I noticed a little mucus along the root tip that emerged from seed. It is normal that mucus? I also checked and Trachycarpus fortunei seed and is the same as other,a little mucus... Should I worry?

[Grasswing]

How does the mucus look like?

[adriancean]

It has a milky white color ..

[Grasswing]

I can't imagine how it looks can you post photo please?

[adriancean]

Edited April 13, 2013 by adriancean

[Grasswing]

Well, I think it is starting mold.. Try to remove it from the seed but I think it does not threaten your small palms..

[adriancean]

I'm afraid to remove that mold ... If I broke something in there? If I left as it is now ,can affect?

[adriancean]

Washingtonia seeds germinate but some appeared a brownish tint...Is there a problem? Why has it appeared that brownish tint? Thanks.

[Grasswing]

Congratulation! No, that is not problem you will see.

[adriancean]

At what temperature can keep them now?

[Grasswing]

You can let them on normal room temperature 23 °C. But don't put them on full sun!

[adriancean]

I do not put them in the sun!About their watering can you say something? They need plenty of water or less?

[Grasswing]

Well, it depends on how fast they get dry.. It is very individual... But generally, the must not be dry for more than day..

[Eric F]

I would still keep the humidity up to them, at least until their first bifid leaf. Try putting some clear monofilament plastic wrap over the top of the container and put it where it can get some bright filtered light, but keep an eye out for signs of fungus if you do cover it. You won't need to water them as much then.

[adriancean]

As seen in the pictures should be watered?

[adriancean]

Next week I'll try to germinate Archontopheonix alexandre and Hyophorbe verschaffeltii seeds... Can you tell me something about their germination?

Edited April 22, 2013 by adriancean

[Eric F]

I dropped some Hyophorbe vershaffeltii in pine bark while cleaning them. About 3 months later they are 10cm tall. Average temperatures during the germination period were 30C for a high, 24 for a low. There is an article on Hyophorbe lagenicaulis germination in Palms (IPS Journal) that says they need light to germinate. My H. verschaffeltii seeds kept moist but dark have not yet sprouted, so that would seem to apply here as well.

[doranakandawatta]

Adrian,

Trachycarpus seed himself freely in my parents's garden in Lyon France, it seems the seeds need the cold and frost in winter for germinating, or they are given by the birds who ate the fruits!

So does this give you information about Trachy germination?

regards

Philippe

[adriancean]

Trachycarpus fortunei seeds looks good , i have problems only with Trachycarpus Wagnerianus seeds.

[adriancean]

I have a problem ... even spray water over pots of seedlings, soil is not wet than 2 inches above. I'm afraid that if I wet with too much water, it is possible to affect root? I expect some recommendations! Thank you.

[adriancean]

I have a problem ... even spray water over pots of seedlings, soil is not wet than 2 inches above. I'm afraid that if I wet with too much water, it is possible to affect root? I expect some recommendations! Thank you.

Can anyone give me some advice on what I wrote above? Thank you!