Seed source suggestions?

[MobileBayGarden]

Hello, I just wanted to ask if anyone had any  suggestions about good reputable seed sources for Butias, Syagrus, ParaJubaeas, etc. RPS is so expensive to ship and has so many mixed reviews that I always talk myself out of it. Thanks for any info. 
 

Philippe 

[Rivera]

I recommend the Palms/Plants/Seeds Wanted section of this forum. You should be able to find at least some of what you're looking for from reputable members here. 

Definitely no need to look into international sources for Butia or Syagrus unless you're looking for something exceptionally rare, as seed from common species of these genera can readily be obtained from CA or FL.

I have purchased seed for palms and other plants from popular online auction sites with mixed results. Even if seed ID is accurate, it may be old. 

Good luck. 🤙

[Scott W]

Unfortunately RPS is about the only game in town for getting seeds of palms not popular in cultivation, unless you find someone here or elsewhere selling them.

[WaianaeCrider]

I have 1 Butia and a few Syagrus that are fruiting.  It's just a pain in the ass to clean before shipping.  And they have to be cleaned to leave the islands.

[MobileBayGarden]

  On 9/19/2023 at 6:27 PM, WaianaeCrider said:

I have 1 Butia and a few Syagrus that are fruiting.  It's just a pain in the ass to clean before shipping.  And they have to be cleaned to leave the islands.

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What type of Butias and Syagrus are they my friend? Thanks for reaching out. 
 

Philippe

[tim_brissy_13]

I’ve just had this Syagrus harleyi pop up from my last RPS order. Unfortunately it’s the only one so far out of 25 seeds of 3 rare Syagrus species. RPS are basically the only source for the really rare species, so I accept the cost and low germination rates.

 

[WaianaeCrider]

  On 9/20/2023 at 12:33 AM, MobileBayGarden said:

What type of Butias and Syagrus are they my friend? Thanks for reaching out. 
 

Philippe

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Butia yatay, Syagrus amara, coronata, sancona, schizophylla .  But as I said to much work to clean for little return.  Then with them all in an area of maybe 1/2 acre might be some hybrids LOL

[MobileBayGarden]

  On 9/20/2023 at 5:39 AM, tim_brissy_13 said:

I’ve just had this Syagrus harleyi pop up from my last RPS order. Unfortunately it’s the only one so far out of 25 seeds of 3 rare Syagrus species. RPS are basically the only source for the really rare species, so I accept the cost and low germination rates.

 

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Wow, you need to take care of that little guy. I’ll probably end up having to go that route. Is it difficult to import from Europe? I’ve read some horror stories about RPS and they definitely aren’t cheap. Thank you for sharing.

Philippe

[MobileBayGarden]

  On 9/20/2023 at 5:54 AM, WaianaeCrider said:

Butia yatay, Syagrus amara, coronata, sancona, schizophylla .  But as I said too much work to clean for little return.  Then with them all in an area of maybe 1/2 acre might be some hybrids LOL

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That sounds like a great selection. You must have a gorgeous piece of property! 
 

Philippe

[WaianaeCrider]

  On 9/20/2023 at 10:16 AM, MobileBayGarden said:

That sounds like a great selection. You must have a gorgeous piece of property! 
 

Philippe

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Yea I got lucky back around 74 and bought 2 UNLEVEL acres from a guy who remarried and the new wife had a better home than he did.  Also I guess she didn't want to live in the other wife's house. LOL  A stream that is dry 99% of the year runs thru the middle giving me hill sides to terrace and tame. 

[tim_brissy_13]

  On 9/20/2023 at 10:15 AM, MobileBayGarden said:

Wow, you need to take care of that little guy. I’ll probably end up having to go that route. Is it difficult to import from Europe? I’ve read some horror stories about RPS and they definitely aren’t cheap. Thank you for sharing.

Philippe

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Australian customs are making it difficult for any palm seed import now. There are specific requirements which add lead time and cost. RPS did a good job last time though: 6 weeks from order until arrival which isn’t too bad considering the requirement for phyto certificate and process through our customs. 

[meridannight]

In my experience, RPS has gotten better over the last couple of years. I had huge issues with them for a while, with most of their palm seeds simply not germinating and also them regularly taking as long as a month before they even shipped anything out (thus also reducing viability of the seeds). But most of the seeds I've got from them this year and last year have been viable. There are always some difficult-to-germinate species, so I never expect 100% success rate. 

Of course, there's no way to reduce shipping fees, so that's one part that you'd have to deal with.

Edited September 20, 2023 by meridannight
comma

[Matt from LA]

You should check this place out:

Botanical Auctions

[MobileBayGarden]

  On 9/20/2023 at 7:09 PM, WaianaeCrider said:

Yea I got lucky back around 74 and bought 2 UNLEVEL acres from a guy who remarried and the new wife had a better home than he did.  Also I guess she didn't want to live in the other wife's house. LOL  A stream that is dry 99% of the year runs thru the middle giving me hill sides to terrace and tame. 

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Wow, that is my retirement dream!! Your are blessed my friend. 

[MobileBayGarden]

  On 9/20/2023 at 8:18 PM, meridannight said:

In my experience, RPS has gotten better over the last couple of years. I had huge issues with them for a while, with most of their palm seeds simply not germinating and also them regularly taking as long as a month before they even shipped anything out (thus also reducing viability of the seeds). But most of the seeds I've got from them this year and last year have been viable. There are always some difficult-to-germinate species, so I never expect 100% success rate. 

Of course, there's no way to reduce shipping fees, so that's one part that you'd have to deal with.

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Thank you for the info. I will probably give them a try. 

[MobileBayGarden]

  On 9/21/2023 at 5:36 PM, Matt from LA said:

You should check this place out:

Botanical Auctions

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Thank you, that’s really neat! 

[WaianaeCrider]

  On 9/22/2023 at 5:04 AM, MobileBayGarden said:

Wow, that is my retirement dream!! Your are blessed my friend. 

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Most of the area needing terracing is done.  There is one area w/a number of mesquite trees on the slope that I don't think I have the energy to clear or want to fight w/the thorns on every little branch.  LOL  At 80 I know I'll never finish the job.  Still lots of scrub trees providing shade for young palms that have to be cut back as the palms become of age to take the sun.  Those scrubs are also sucking water that the palms could use.  LOL 

[Tom in Tucson]

  On 9/22/2023 at 6:44 AM, WaianaeCrider said:

Most of the area needing terracing is done.  There is one area w/a number of mesquite trees on the slope that I don't think I have the energy to clear or want to fight w/the thorns on every little branch.  LOL  At 80 I know I'll never finish the job.  Still lots of scrub trees providing shade for young palms that have to be cut back as the palms become of age to take the sun.  Those scrubs are also sucking water that the palms could use.  LOL 

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I assume your mesquite trees were invaders, and were not trees you wanted to grow. Incidentally I grow quite a few on purpose (non-native types). When I need to prune these (and CIDP) I use welding gloves, a pith helmet, and safety eye shields (goggles). I rarely get wounded. The dried wood (mesquite) works great for barbecuing.

Hi 103˚, Lo 65˚

Edited September 23, 2023 by Tom in Tucson

[WaianaeCrider]

  On 9/23/2023 at 3:02 AM, Tom in Tucson said:

I assume your mesquite trees were invaders, and were not trees you wanted to grow. Incidentally I grow quite a few on purpose (non-native types). When I need to prune these (and CIDP) I use welding gloves, a pith helmet, and safety eye shields (goggles). I rarely get wounded. The dried wood (mesquite) works great for barbecuing.

Hi 103˚, Lo 65˚

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The Keawe (mesquite) was here when I bught the place.  They were introduce into the islands way over 100 years ago as a food source for cows I believe.  They have been here long enough to have gotten a Hawaiian name.