Question about germinating palm seeds using a ziplock and paper towel

[robsp2000]

I have germinated around 20 seeds using the damp paper towel and ziplock method. The root has finally cracked through the seed and is about 1mm long. I have searched but can't find an answer regarding when I should plant these in potting mix. Should I wait until the root has grown more or plant as soon and they start to germinate?

[PalmatierMeg]

What species?

[KennyRE317]

I moved mine as soon as I saw that the shell was cracked and that the taproot was showing

[robsp2000]

What species?

Archontophoenix alexandrae and Roystonea borinquena.

[PalmatierMeg]

Roystonea seeds are almost bulletproof and seedlings are fast growing in FL. Pot them up. King palms are also fast but have a reputation for root sensitivity, so I'd pot them too - just 1 to a pot. Make sure your mix is fast draining. I use palm/cactus soil and add extra perlite. Don't let pots sit in water. I elevate all my seedlings on shelving units. Also, use deep pots, at least 6". That white structure emerging from the seed is a radicle. Palms don't have "tap roots". You should have little trouble with these species.

[SanDimas]

OOOOh another concurrent thread on seed germination....We'll try it here also.

My first foray on seed germination but I used Jiffy seed germ media with 50% sphagnum and the rest peat moss and vermiculite inside a zip lock.

I soaked the seeds in sugar water for 2 days.

In one bag I have 1 of 3 seeds germinated with radicle showing.

Do I just pluck that 1 out and leave the other2 in there??

Do we transfer immediately after germination or should I wait till the first leaf turns green?

Its an Adansonia grandieri BTW(Baobab tree).

Also trying Schizolobium parahyba with its thick seed coat.

Should I use hydrogen peroxide, nip with a nail cutter, soak longer to scarify the shell/seed coat?

Im also trying to germinate Ravenala/travelers tree and Acacia tortilis.

Anyone experience with these??

Greatly appreciated.

Ritchy

[Jonathan]

OOOOh another concurrent thread on seed germination....We'll try it here also.

My first foray on seed germination but I used Jiffy seed germ media with 50% sphagnum and the rest peat moss and vermiculite inside a zip lock.

I soaked the seeds in sugar water for 2 days.

In one bag I have 1 of 3 seeds germinated with radicle showing.

Do I just pluck that 1 out and leave the other2 in there??

Do we transfer immediately after germination or should I wait till the first leaf turns green?

Its an Adansonia grandieri BTW(Baobab tree).

Also trying Schizolobium parahyba with its thick seed coat.

Should I use hydrogen peroxide, nip with a nail cutter, soak longer to scarify the shell/seed coat?

Im also trying to germinate Ravenala/travelers tree and Acacia tortilis.

Anyone experience with these??

Greatly appreciated.

Ritchy

I'd leave it in the bag till it greens up - ie. the first leaf expands, then pot it on.

You may have to open the top of the bag a little bit to allow it to grow, which shouldn't hurt the other seeds as long as you keep an eye on the moisture level.

This has generally worked well for me in the past.

Cheers,

Jonathan

[robsp2000]

Roystonea seeds are almost bulletproof and seedlings are fast growing in FL. Pot them up. King palms are also fast but have a reputation for root sensitivity, so I'd pot them too - just 1 to a pot. Make sure your mix is fast draining. I use palm/cactus soil and add extra perlite. Don't let pots sit in water. I elevate all my seedlings on shelving units. Also, use deep pots, at least 6". That white structure emerging from the seed is a radicle. Palms don't have "tap roots". You should have little trouble with these species.

Thanks! Around what ratio would you recommend of palm/cactus soil to perlite?

[PalmatierMeg]

Roystonea seeds are almost bulletproof and seedlings are fast growing in FL. Pot them up. King palms are also fast but have a reputation for root sensitivity, so I'd pot them too - just 1 to a pot. Make sure your mix is fast draining. I use palm/cactus soil and add extra perlite. Don't let pots sit in water. I elevate all my seedlings on shelving units. Also, use deep pots, at least 6". That white structure emerging from the seed is a radicle. Palms don't have "tap roots". You should have little trouble with these species.

Thanks! Around what ratio would you recommend of palm/cactus soil to perlite?

I don't measure but I estimate 1/3 perlite & 2/3 palm/cactus by volume. I want something that drains quickly and won't be "mucky". Perlite doesn't decompose. I've been told pumice is better but it is impossible to find in FL and outraeously expensive on the internet.

[robsp2000]

So I planted all of the germinated seeds and now 20 or 30 have shoots coming up about 3/4 of an inch above the soil. They are currently in full shade on my porch, when would these start needing sun?

[SanDimas]

Jonathan

Thank you.

The Schizolobium seeds eventually germed open on the 2nd week and growing fast.

I potted in a 1G after the 2nd leaf.

The first leaf did not have too much roots but 2nd was considerably more(Schizo seedlings)

I definitely would recommend the Jiffy seed germ mix...no more mixing and you wouldnt need

more than a cup anyways for a zip lock sandwich bag(very lite and fluffy mixture).

I kept the bag closed all the time and they did fine.

Cheers.

[akamu]

growing from seed is half the fun of the hobby ty for the input