Beginning the germination process! – Page 15 – Germination – PalmsNorth.com

Cameron_z6a_N.S. · 2011-01-28T23:49:38Z

I'm now starting to prepare for (hopefully) germinating quite a variety of seeds. I have somewhere around 100 different species of seed that I'll try to germinate, but I'm going to start with the seeds which I have the most of. Later on, I'll try to germinate the rest. I'll try to document the process as best as I can (ex. numbers of seed, days to first signs of germination, temp/soil, etc) throughout the coming months (or years :lol:), and hopefully this post can serve as a reference for anyone else trying to germinate the same species! I'll take some pics with my BB.I've began converting my computer room into a bit of a "germination room". Many of the seeds require heat in order to grow (sabals, etc). I looked into germination mats, but it would cost hundreds of dollars to cover a 6' x 6' area. I've ordered 24' of Flexwatt heat tape (the 11" width), as well as some dimmer switches to attach to the tape. The dimmer switches control the amount of power that goes into the heat tape, therefore controlling the temps. I'm going to cut the tape to size, lay it on the floor, and use it as a germination area. I'm also going to be trying out a product called Nitrozyme, which has been recommended by many palm websites for increased germination. To try to get a comparison of the product vs. nothing, I'll have a seperate space where I'll apply Nitrozyme to some seeds, and nothing to others. I'll check which ones germinate first, and if there seems to be any increased growth due to the product. I only have a 100 ml bottle, so I'll have to make it last! :lol: In the next post, I'll list which seeds I'll be trying first. Hopefully I'll start sowing them sometime next week!Cameron.

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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The best part is that it's supposed to be hardy to zone 7a !!

Posted : 02/03/2011 12:51 am

canadianplant

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i cant wait to hear how hardy those Aloe are. Cant wait to see some pop!

"The definition of insanity, is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results" - einstien

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Posted : 02/03/2011 8:55 am

lucky1

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Zone 7A eliminates my place.

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.

Posted : 02/03/2011 10:11 am

canadianplant

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Not with some protection 😈 😈 😈 😈 😈 😈 😈 😈 😈

"The definition of insanity, is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results" - einstien

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Posted : 02/03/2011 10:12 am

lucky1

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At the rate we're all planning--and planting--we'll soon use more wattage outside than indoors. 😆

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.

Posted : 02/03/2011 10:18 am

canadianplant

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isnt zone denial great 😛

"The definition of insanity, is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results" - einstien

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Posted : 02/03/2011 10:23 am

lucky1

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Princeps seeds germinating Mar.2 (in community pot since Feb.18), following a 3-day soak in warm water and "sandpapering".
Fresh seed from Garry! received approx. early February/11???? (can't remember the date).

And they didn't pop exactly where I sandpapered 😆
so the sandpapering method is beneficial to allow water to enter, rather than where the embryo will emerge.

Barb

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Posted : 02/03/2011 1:02 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Good work, Barb! Yeah, I knew that even if I couldn't find the location of the embryo on some seeds, using sandpaper on them would at least allow water to get in more easily, and probably prompt a faster germination.

Posted : 02/03/2011 5:09 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Here are some Callistemon pityoides seedlings. They're very small and hard to see, because their leaves are probably less than 1 mm from end to end:

Posted : 02/03/2011 5:18 pm

canadianplant

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Holy hell.... Thats what im expecting to see with the paulownia.

And, my Trachys finaly poped out of the soil. Im going to have to move them into some light!! 3 of one type of fortunei, and 2 of another ( got mixed up 👿 )

"The definition of insanity, is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results" - einstien

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Posted : 02/03/2011 5:24 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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And, my Trachys finaly poped out of the soil. Im going to have to move them into some light!! 3 of one type of fortunei, and 2 of another ( got mixed up 👿 )

Don't worry, you'll be able to tell them apart in a few years! 😆

Posted : 02/03/2011 7:00 pm

lucky1

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Excellent, both of you!

Cameron, it's easy to see them if you squint a bit while looking at the pic ... they all show that way. 😆

Jesse, what two Trachy types are you starting?

Barb

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.

Posted : 02/03/2011 8:17 pm

damir

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cameron, any news with your needle palm seeds? did they germinate? some of mine look like they are ready to. 😀
i removed the outer shell, soak it in water for few days and put it in soil on the window bench above radiator. some broke the skin on seed and ready to come out. yeah! but some small bugs came up. tomorrow i'll boil the soil in water to kill all those small beasts 😈 .

i've bought some yucca and agave seeds from mesa garden, all seeds germinated in less than 5 days. i have some pics that i will post.
fresh seeds=fast germination

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Posted : 02/03/2011 8:38 pm

canadianplant

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Barb, one is Naini Tal, the other is regular Fortunei. I wont really know untill they get the adult leaves, unless i can tell by growth rate. I got some other kinds, but i was smart enough to duct tape the labels to the soaking containers this time.

My other canna seed sprouted too, same with my cobea, and I think my cyperus glabor did too.

Does anyone here know if most Cyperus Papayrus cultivers are sterile? My Papayrus "King Tut" has been setting seeds all year. ANd id be quite mad if I found out that i could have been collecting them..... LOL

"The definition of insanity, is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results" - einstien

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Posted : 02/03/2011 9:02 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Damir, I've been checking my needle palm seeds but haven't seen any roots emerging yet, hopefully they'll germinate soon!

I hear that mesa garden has excellent quality seeds. I was thinking of ordering a few types in bulk from them, but there's just not enough room. Maybe next year 😈

Posted : 02/03/2011 9:34 pm