Gardeners love growing palms from seeds, but like any other plant they need a certain level of care when starting from seed.
When sowing seeds, the first thing to think about is how best to store them so they can germinate quickly. To do this, keep them cool and only sow when dry.
Some palms can also be grown from seeds in a greenhouse. This method provides excellent protection for the plants against harsh weather conditions.
Palm seeds can take many different forms, depending on the species and how diligently a grower cares for their seedlings. It appears that the most successful results come from collecting seeds quickly and cultivating them efficiently.
Selecting the Right Palms to Grow
When selecting palm seeds for your area, it is essential that they meet all climate, soil type and watering requirements. Furthermore, pay attention to their growth habits; some have clumping or single-stemmed fronds while others feature feathery or fan-like fronds.
Selecting the Perfect Potting Mix
For a versatile potting mixture suitable for various palm species, try 50:10:10 peat moss, perlite and sand. Additionally, sprinkle some horticultural charcoal into the mix to prevent root rot.
Once the potting mixture has been prepared, place the palm seeds into it. Cover them with about 1/4-inch of soil for protection against drying out. You can cover this layer of potting soil with plastic wrap or crumpled newspaper for extra protection.
Once the palm seedlings reach a height of six inches, you can start placing them in larger containers for additional moisture and sunlight. Be sure to place these containers in an area that receives plenty of sun but not too much heat.
Be cautious not to place them too close to other houseplants, as exposure to direct sun may scorch them. Furthermore, avoid placing them in direct contact with any insects or pests as this could damage them.
Make sure to regularly water your palm trees, particularly when they are young. This is especially important if you live in a dry climate as plants can quickly dry out if left to go without water.
Germination of Palm Trees
Most palms can be successfully germinated from seeds, though some may not sprout due to disease or fungus contamination when purchased.
No matter the cause, cleaning seeds is usually the solution to most germination failures. This includes scraping away any fleshy residues from fruit that has fallen off of a palm tree – this step is essential as rotting can prevent germinating palm seedlings.