Raising Acai Palms

[Luxliving]

Have you ever germinated Acai Palm Seeds? Please describe your experience and how/where did you source the seeds?

[Jim in Los Altos]

Looks like no one has germinated these. I bought one gallon ones online and planted them directly in the garden. It's much easier and quicker than starting from seed. 

[enigma99]

16 minutes ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

Looks like no one has germinated these. I bought one gallon ones online and planted them directly in the garden. It's much easier and quicker than starting from seed. 

How are those doing at your place? I thought they didn’t even survive in SoCal?

[Jim in Los Altos]

19 minutes ago, enigma99 said:

How are those doing at your place? I thought they didn’t even survive in SoCal?

Derrick, Euterpe edulis is considered a type of Acai palm described in the Palmpedia site. I know E. oleracea is next to impossible but E. edulis is as hardy as Archontophoenix and grows fast, even putting out fresh fronds in the winter in my garden. I have three of them, one with some ringed trunk. I love 'em. 

[Cindy Adair]

16 hours ago, Luxliving said:

Have you ever germinated Acai Palm Seeds? Please describe your experience and how/where did you source the seeds?

I did germinate them easily from fresh seeds off my old farm.

Sadly no access to that farm now, so no way to share. I do not recall how long they took to germinate either, so guess I'm not really much help at all, sorry!

In a few years maybe I will have fresh seeds to share.

I like both E. edulis and E. oleracea and they grow well in Puerto Rico. 

[enigma99]

8 hours ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

Derrick, Euterpe edulis is considered a type of Acai palm described in the Palmpedia site. I know E. oleracea is next to impossible but E. edulis is as hardy as Archontophoenix and grows fast, even putting out fresh fronds in the winter in my garden. I have three of them, one with some ringed trunk. I love 'em. 

Sorry I thought you meant oleracea. Yeah edulis grows well for me too, great palms

[Luxliving]

20 minutes ago, Cindy Adair said:

I did germinate them easily from fresh seeds off my old farm.

Sadly no access to that farm now, so no way to share. I do not recall how long they took to germinate either, so guess I'm not really much help at all, sorry!

In a few years maybe I will have fresh seeds to share.

I like both E. edulis and E. oleracea and they grow well in Puerto Rico. 

What is the difference between the edulis and the oleracea. Did you ever get any fruit from your palms and is the edulis variety edible?

[enigma99]

28 minutes ago, Luxliving said:

What is the difference between the edulis and the oleracea. Did you ever get any fruit from your palms and is the edulis variety edible?

When you buy Asai in the grocery store it is from oleracea.  But Edulis fruit is also good but I'm not sure if the taste is the same. Edulis however is one of the most edible palms and has probably the most tasty palm bud and leafs are eaten raw in salads. 

Edited May 11, 2018 by enigma99

[Zeeth]

28 minutes ago, Luxliving said:

What is the difference between the edulis and the oleracea. Did you ever get any fruit from your palms and is the edulis variety edible?

Both species have been shown to have similar antioxidant composition, so they're comparable from a "health food" standpoint. I believe that the fruit is said to taste very similar as well. E. edulis is much cold hardier, however. 

[Phoenikakias]

There is a strain from the high plateau in southern Brazil, that is even hardier to cold. Alberto could give more information. 

[Josue Diaz]

I took seeds from here to our farm in el Salvador. I haven't checked in to ask if they've sprouted but I'll message to find out today. They were E oleracea. 

[masatepino]

I found some Euterpe seeds in Sao Paulo and they germinated quite fast. The seem to be fast growers in my tropical climate, but do not like the dry season.

[Luxliving]

How fast is fast? A week ? A month? Somewhere in-between? Did you use a cultivation propogation method or just plant them in the ground?

 

[Cluster]

Yeah speak with Alberto, he is the king of Edulis:), and I have one from that highlands Brazil! You could also try euterpe espiritosantensis, which is a form of Edulis and looks stunning as well, but it is a collectors palm, really rare. 

Edited May 15, 2018 by Cluster

[Josue Diaz]

9 hours ago, Luxliving said:

How fast is fast? A week ? A month? Somewhere in-between? Did you use a cultivation propogation method or just plant them in the ground?

 

So far the acai have sprouted, they were planted in containers with native soil sometime in December. I couldn't tell you when they sprouted though, as i am not there.

[Mostapha]

I've been looking at the E. oleracea seeds, the seller also told me that they would include some E. edulis seeds for free. The seller wrote and said they are having issues with the E.edulis turning yellow and they are trying to figure out what the problem may be. I'm thinking perhaps a mineral problem ( lack or nitrogen), but also perhaps the soil not being acidic enough. I was planning on putting in dry pine needles, oak leaves to the moss mix.

I realize these are not going to be the easiest to find an easy fix here,just a shot in the dark.

Anyone perhaps have any other ideas, not really alot if info found on line. So I'm turning here to others for an input. 

Thanks, Mark

[PalmatierMeg]

On 5/15/2018, 3:51:50, Luxliving said:

How fast is fast? A week ? A month? Somewhere in-between? Did you use a cultivation propogation method or just plant them in the ground?

 

Palm seeds can take from a few weeks to many months to germinate. You have to be patient. I wouldn't plant them in the ground, esp. in CO. You can try planting them in a deep pot (at least 6" deep) with a well draining potting mix (not cheap potting soil), keep mix moist but not soggy in a very warm place (80+ degrees F), then wait. If/when they germinate, seedlings need good light, lots of warmth and high humidity. Keeping them alive and healthy indoors in a northern house will be a huge challenge. The chances of them living to maturity in your climate are very low and if they did they likely would never set fruit.

[Mostapha]

Hi,  the E.oleracea seeds arrived today along with 5 free E,edulis seeds. The oleracea seeds are germinated as sold, some ready to be potted up and some need more time to develop. I had originally order a lot of 20 but received 10, sure it was an honest mistake, the seller seems to be selling more of the 10 lot than the 20. I'm sure it will be rectified, as I wrote to notify.

The edulis were sent to me as a free offering because the seller said they were still trying to figure out a successful way if growing them. Saying they turn yellow on him and he is having issues with that. Feels good to see he is giving  me a chance to see if I can get them going. I suggested that he join here at Palmtalk, because the people here are very friendly and knowledgeable, and are more than happy to share that with anyone.

Still hoping maybe someone here can contribute an idea. Currently as they are already started to germinate, I have them in a baggie with peat moss, good potting mix and a bit of dry pine needles, that I put through an old coffee grinder that I've had for some years, just never use anymore. I know it sounds odd but when they are dry needles they do grind up pretty well, not to powder of course but much smaller pieces.

I placed then on the top of the pot of my white bird of paradise, protected from bright light yet still very warm, about 80-90 F. during the day. Just remembering these are from the moist jungle floors if Brazil.

The 5 oleracea, I have potted into small pots with the same potting mix with damp moss and sand in a tray for humidity. They are getting a filtered north/west light.  Filtered by other plants of course.

So, in essence I did find a reputable seller, as long as the amount is corrected, and I'm hoping that I am able to give them proper care to grow, I seem to do fine with tougher palms, just would like some constructive suggestions and not negative input, please.

The first photo is the E. edulis and the second of course is the E.oleracea, as you can see they are in the beginning of growth currently.

Thanks,Mark

Edited July 6, 2018 by Mostapha
Photo correction

[Mostapha]

UPDATE:

The amount of seeds has been recified by the seller, so I would say they are a very reputable seller. Also I placed the baggie of seeds (5 of each E.Oleracea and the E.edulis)into one of my containers that I use to germinate on a heat pad, So they will have the constant heat and humidity.

Edited July 6, 2018 by Mostapha

[Mostapha]

These are the E.edulis after 2 days in the baggie. Moving along great. 

Again any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks Mark

[edric]

Hi all, check it out, Ed  https://www.acaipalmseeds.com/

[Mostapha]

I've been in touch with the gentleman that has this business, through other avenues. That is where my seeds came from. I suggested he join us here at Palmtalk, and he wrote to me and said he has. I told him that the people here were very welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable.

As you can see, the seeds I received were very viable and showing healthy germination. Thanks Mark

 

[Gonzer]

Devil's advocate here; Euterpe palms are/were a commonly grown palm until the acai fad hit the market. No scientific basis for the claims made regarding health benefits have been verified. Perhaps they should be referred to as simply 'Euterpe seeds' instead of 'acai berries'

[PalmatierMeg]

19 hours ago, Gonzer said:

Devil's advocate here; Euterpe palms are/were a commonly grown palm until the acai fad hit the market. No scientific basis for the claims made regarding health benefits have been verified. Perhaps they should be referred to as simply 'Euterpe seeds' instead of 'acai berries'

A fad that is fading. In 2007 a neighbor sucked me into an "acai tasting party" for  $45 champagne bottles filled with 19 kinds of juices to promote health. I had an allergic reaction to the stuff. The next day when I flew off to Germany for a band tour, my throat was still irritated and scratchy. I will never touch acai again.

[Mostapha]

Well, the FDA has not confirmed that the berries are of a detoxifying use.

I'm only growing them for the palm, that's providing I succeed, it wouldn't fruit here potted anyway. Its just for the experience. Thanks Mark

Edited July 9, 2018 by Mostapha

[PalmatierMeg]

That's why I'd grow them. Since the acai craze, on to pomegranates, then to powdered beets. People continue to seek perfect health in a pill, powder or a bottle.

[Mostapha]

Hi, not really sure if anyone is following this thread, but just in case I'm adding updated pics of the E. oleracea, big difference.  Thanks, Mark

[Gonzer]

If your feet are to scale then I'd say you got yourself some whoppers there! Big as basketballs!

[Mostapha]

Yeah they are in scale..but small feet. Lol.

Mark

[Luxliving]

3 hours ago, Mostapha said:

Hi, not really sure if anyone is following this thread, but just in case I'm adding updated pics of the E. oleracea, big difference.  Thanks, Mark

I think there are several people following it. In any case, please keep sharing as it will be helpful to anyone new who may come across the post in the future. So how are you growing these? Do you just have them loose for now or do you ordinarily keep them in some kind of media? Any heat?

[Mostapha]

Hi,

I have 5 of them potted, (small 4" pots), with moss, ground dry pine needles, some good soil,and a bit of old composted oak leaves. The pine needles and the oak leaves were baked to sterilize. They sit on a tray that holds damp moss for extra humidity, with defused light. They don't seem to be showing much in top growth but sure the roots are feeling their way around. Still nice color to the top growth. (No change in color except maybe a bit brighter.) I do find the roots seem to be a bit on the brittle side, so handle with care when checking and potting up.

The others I have in a baggie with the same mix in a container with other seeds germinating (separately of course), with some bottom heat. 80-90 f. Wondering if perhaps I should have put them all in to see if more root production and top growth would have been quicker, but time will tell.

I do have led grow lights that I use over a 72 gallon aquarium, that I use as a nursery for some seedlings, it gives me good light and the humidity is great, even with air circulation, so thinking about putting 1 maybe 2 in there, of course still defused light to see if they show better top growth. Any ideas? Will keep you posted.

Thanks, Mark

Edited July 15, 2018 by Mostapha

[PalmatierMeg]

16 hours ago, Mostapha said:

Hi, not really sure if anyone is following this thread, but just in case I'm adding updated pics of the E. oleracea, big difference.  Thanks, Mark

Never seen purple eophylls before. E. oleracea are too cold sensitive for me to grow for planting. So I'm trying E. edulis, which is reportedly hardier.

[Mostapha]

I also have 5 of the E.edulis in the bag germinating, will have to check them today and post another pic of any advancement they may have made.

How are your edulis doing?

I've never seen purple eophylis either, should be interesting to see if the spears have the same coloring as they grow. It's almost a watermelon color seeing them in person. Always open to suggestions.

Thanks , Mark

[PalmatierMeg]

I got the seeds last month. So far, no sprouts but I know a lot of things go on underground before those eophylls emerge.

[Mostapha]

The edulis seem to be a bit behind the oleraceas,  they seem to start out with the purple as well. Here are pics. Just starting to pop. I found a good source of the seeds. I'm happy about that. Definitely fresh.

Thanks, Mark

Edited July 16, 2018 by Mostapha

[veeman55]

On 7/9/2018, 6:27:29, Mostapha said:

Well, the FDA has not confirmed that the berries are of a detoxifying use.

I'm only growing them for the palm, that's providing I succeed, it wouldn't fruit here potted anyway. Its just for the experience. Thanks Mark

I would take anything the fda does and says with a grain of salt

[Luxliving]

How are the acai palms going? It would be really lovely to have an update.

[OC2Texaspalmlvr]

These are Euterpe Edulis grown from seed. This are the 2nd fastest germinating seed in my short career so far. Only Adonidia Merrillii germinated faster to its first eophyll. These palms are almost as easy as sabal seeds =) Some are already working on there 3rd leaf !!! Also there a couple PT members who have sold these seeds when available. 

Edited May 31, 2020 by OC2Texaspalmlvr
.

[PalmatierMeg]

I've germinated a mess of E. edulis seeds in the last 6 monsths. I'm quite impressed how quickly they germinated when seeds are fresh and how sturdy the seedlings are. Oleracea is nearly impossible here but these guys are tough, relatively speaking.

[Luxliving]

Where are y'all getting your seeds from? Do either of you have a current source? I was once referred to a good source, but they no longer have listed for sale any of their good palm species including this one. They've revamped their website and taken down a huge portion of their inventory including their best species. Even though they are still active on social media, they will not respond to any inquiries on their web contact form, no response to email, and they won't answer any facebook messages either. Very poor customer service. Any new source referrals would be greatly appreciated.