Beginning the germination process! – Page 17 – 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.

lucky1

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Cameron,

Curious why such a peaty mix for Aloe germination.
Not that it isn't working... 😯 😀

Barb

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

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:05 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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I can see a long root on the Nannorrhops, so I know that those are moving along now too! 😀

Barb, I didn't mix that container too well, so there's more peat on top and more sand near the bottom. It's about a 50% peat, 40% sand and 10% vermiculite mix.

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:19 pm

canadianplant

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Got some good roots on the bottom on my Trachy "tesan" baggie. Looks like 3/5 so far!! One of the trifoliate seeds sprouted too..

Sidenote.............. we got a foot of snow today 😯 At least the temps have been slightly above normal so far!

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

Check out my new Blog! http://canadianplant.wordpress.com/

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:25 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Good job!!

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:30 pm

lucky1

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didn't mix that container too well

In a hurry, were you? 😆 😆

Congrats on the Nannorhops!
After sandpapering mine about 3 times in 3 weeks and back into water each time, I equate it with trying to sprout granite.

Can you divulge your Nannorhops seed source?
'coz I'm not getting any more from my N.ritchiana source...ever.
😈
Barb

Jesse, congrats...our posts crossed.
A foot of snow? 😕

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

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:39 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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I just took 2 more pics of the Aloe ecklonis seedlings. The soil looks especially "peaty" since I've been watering everything!

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:41 pm

canadianplant

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those grow pretty quick!

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

Check out my new Blog! http://canadianplant.wordpress.com/

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:42 pm

lucky1

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Get your teaspoon ready, Cameron, for the potting up. 😆

Light is more crucial now than bottom heat, I'm sure you know that.
Barb

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

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:44 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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those grow pretty quick!

Not as quick as A. parryi:

😆

Barb, I'm going to have to take a week off to pot everything up! 😆

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:49 pm

canadianplant

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😯 Holy crap......... its barley been a week right?

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

Check out my new Blog! http://canadianplant.wordpress.com/

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:50 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Yes LOL, just over a week!

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:53 pm

canadianplant

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Thats amazing.... i thought they grew slow LOL

Hows the moso seeds? You said you seen some roots..

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

Check out my new Blog! http://canadianplant.wordpress.com/

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:55 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Once they're older I think they grow slower. If I remember, desert plants usually sprout and grow quickly, because they need to take advantage of the moisture/good conditions before it's gone!

The Moso seeds are still going slowly right now, I think I can see some roots on a couple of seeds, but it's hard to tell.

Posted : 07/03/2011 3:57 pm

Okanagan desert-palms

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Very nice to see all those seeds popping for you guys. I always like the expression on peoples faces when you tell them you grew it from seed 😀

John

Okanagan Palms and Tropicals
6b-7a

Posted : 07/03/2011 4:51 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Thanks John!

Posted : 07/03/2011 7:34 pm