Palm tree seeds
Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2006
by tkhooper on December 09, 2006 08:34 PM
Here are some excerps I collected on Palm seed germination. I hope they help some.
Depending on the species, seed viability varies from several weeks to six to twelve months. Small seeds typically have shorter duration of viability. Understory and more tropical seeds likewise have a shorter time from ripening to loss of viability. As anticipated, seeds that are from more arid habitats typically have longer viability windows.
Check the seed’s general appearance. Good seeds look fresher and feel heavier in the hand. Old seeds look desiccated and feel lighter.
Check seed size. If you know what a seed is should look like and seeds received are much smaller, either you have bad seeds or another species.
Pinch Test: Viable seeds never collapse when pinched between your thumb and forefinger. If the seeds do collapse, they are either immature seeds or they are old, desiccated seeds with internal air cavities from rot to the embryo or endocarp. Discard such seeds.
Float Test: Viable seeds invariably sink to the bottom when soaked in water and bad seeds float for the reasons described above. This is providing that any outer fibrous covering layer of the seed has been removed. There are a few exceptions, but “floaters” usually do not germinate.
Remove fruit from seed.
Soak for no more than 24 hours.
A simply constructed germination box made out of styrofoam with a plastic lid can be constructed cheaply and work well. It is ideal for the hobbyist. A simple warming device such as a light bulb can be utilized.
If not utilizing a greenhouse or germination box, provide your seeds with the warmest area possible with good humidity and away from direct, hot sunlight.
Humidity levels of 60 to 70% are ideal. Avoid overly damp locations or rot will develop.
Utilize bottom heat to speed germination.
* * * *
Depending on the species, seed viability varies from several weeks to six to twelve months. Small seeds typically have shorter duration of viability. Understory and more tropical seeds likewise have a shorter time from ripening to loss of viability. As anticipated, seeds that are from more arid habitats typically have longer viability windows.
Check the seed’s general appearance. Good seeds look fresher and feel heavier in the hand. Old seeds look desiccated and feel lighter.
Check seed size. If you know what a seed is should look like and seeds received are much smaller, either you have bad seeds or another species.
Pinch Test: Viable seeds never collapse when pinched between your thumb and forefinger. If the seeds do collapse, they are either immature seeds or they are old, desiccated seeds with internal air cavities from rot to the embryo or endocarp. Discard such seeds.
Float Test: Viable seeds invariably sink to the bottom when soaked in water and bad seeds float for the reasons described above. This is providing that any outer fibrous covering layer of the seed has been removed. There are a few exceptions, but “floaters” usually do not germinate.
Remove fruit from seed.
Soak for no more than 24 hours.
A simply constructed germination box made out of styrofoam with a plastic lid can be constructed cheaply and work well. It is ideal for the hobbyist. A simple warming device such as a light bulb can be utilized.
If not utilizing a greenhouse or germination box, provide your seeds with the warmest area possible with good humidity and away from direct, hot sunlight.
Humidity levels of 60 to 70% are ideal. Avoid overly damp locations or rot will develop.
Utilize bottom heat to speed germination.
* * * *
by sibyl on December 16, 2006 12:09 PM
by Yves on December 21, 2006 04:41 AM
Thank you both for the information. It's been a great help.
Yves
Yves
Search The Garden Helper:
on my holiday to the Caribbeans I took some palm tree seeds. Does anyone know if it is necessary to soak them in water first? Or is there another special way to use in order to have them germinated?
Three years ago I also had some tropical palm tree seeds of wich only one germinated but it is such a slow grower. I guess it only produces one leaf a year. So frustrating.
Thank you in advance for your information
Yves