Beginning the germination process! – Page 25 – 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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"They" recommend slightly cooler night temps for palm germination too, but palms generally need warmth warmth warmth.
And not moving them away from the floor near the woodstove in the basement actually took a few weeks off germination I think.

But waggies, princeps and Chamaerops humilis definitely don't want to be too warm as seedlings.

Barb

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

Posted : 02/04/2011 5:42 pm

canadianplant

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You gotta break open the pods for the protea 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 : 02/04/2011 9:42 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Ok I didn't exactly germinate this one by myself, but I did trade Paul some seeds for it 😆

It's a Sabal minor "McCurtain", and I have pretty high hopes for this one. I'm going to be planting it away from my main palm area, in a different south-east facing location. The new location is where the snow always melts first in the spring. It will be right in front of some rocks and the side of my house, so this should help reflect some heat back during the winter. Also, it will be visible to people walking by when it gets a bit bigger, so maybe it will eventually get someone else thinking about hardy palms! I'm debating whether to leave it in a pot this year, or plant it out. If things look good by June, it will be going outside.

Palm:

New spear in front of my finger:

Cameron.

Posted : 03/04/2011 5:55 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Barb, it's hard to know 100% what to do when you see all of the conflicting germination info online!

Canadianplant, just plant them as they are (with the fuzzy part still on the outside).

Posted : 03/04/2011 5:57 pm

lucky1

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Look at the size of those young leaves already! 😯
What a prize!

Sounds like a good location you've selected.
Since it's in a featured spot close to the house, why not plant it out?
It'll be easy to baby in that spot.

See how generous I am with risk to somebody else's palms? 😐

Barb

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

Posted : 03/04/2011 6:01 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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I'll just have to make sure to provide good protection during the winter!

Posted : 04/04/2011 2:58 pm

lucky1

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Oh yes...superb protection.
Proof they can grow there...for all the world to see.

Barb

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

Posted : 04/04/2011 7:11 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Here are some more sabal pics, sorry for the poor lighting:

Sabal minor "Cape Hatteras":

Sabal minor:

Sabal minor "Louisiana" (top and bottom containers):

Sabal minor "McCurtain":

I'm still waiting on Sabal etonia!

Cameron.

Posted : 04/04/2011 8:19 pm

lucky1

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Nice work Cameron.
I'd have nightmares on losing the labels.... 😆 😆
Barb

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

Posted : 04/04/2011 9:48 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Barb, I had a feeling that I might lose them, so I labeled both the containers and the lids!

Posted : 04/04/2011 11:10 pm

hardyjim

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What will you do with all your little guys....?

Are you planning to sell anything?

Posted : 05/04/2011 11:09 am

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Jim, I'm going to sell some at low prices to promote the interest in hardy palms around here. But I also want a yard full of palms, so I'll have to keep a few for myself! 😆

Posted : 05/04/2011 12:47 pm

lucky1

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Cameron, good for you.
Presume you'll get your local garden chapter to help get the news out, as well as a website?

Barb

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

Posted : 05/04/2011 1:13 pm

Cameron_z6a_N.S.

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Barb, I just joined the "Atlantic Rhododendron and Horticultural Society", and my first meeting is tonight. They also have a general sale to the public in May, and I'll be participating in that too. I think Paul might have been a member when he lived here.

Posted : 05/04/2011 1:25 pm

lucky1

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Might be an idea to have an easy-to-read one-page handout for the meeting tonight.
Gets people thinking about your offers even before you establish pricing.

Hope the May sale is near your place...you've got a lot of stuff to haul 😀

...and you'll soon be Prez of the society :occasion5:

Barb

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

Posted : 05/04/2011 1:30 pm