It really depends on the source. If I recall correctly I've had some that popped within 2 months, and others that just rotted. I'd recommend alternating temperatures (hot day, ~32C, cool night 20C) and a treatment with sulphur before planting. I think my success was not with the baggie method, but in pots.

Good luck!

I've only ever started Foxtail seeds, but I've killed a nice size Butia.

But just ordered seeds of Waggie, Pritchardia, Nannorrhops and Cyrtostachys (that one's a long shot...oh well).
And John's sending me Euro Fan Palm seeds from his own tree. 😀
A nice way to spend winter...fussing over seeds.

Carl, are you starting them in baggies on a heated germination mat?

Barb

PS: Phil of Jungle Music has a nice page on the topic:
http://www.junglemusic.net/palmadvice/palms-seed-germination.htm

No, they are actually in a growing tray. One which actually came with a little plastic cover that is suppose to help keep it warm. I do have a heating pad under it. Would you suggest I turn it off at night? Sorry still a bit new at all this. 😕

Hi Carl,
I have a wood-fired stove in my basement so it's really warm down there..great place to start seeds but I still use a germinating heat mat and leave it on 24/7. The mats don't get too warm so it doesn't hurt to leave it on, I find.

still a bit new at all this.

You'll be a pro in no time and can help us! 😀

I'll be interested in how long it takes butia seeds to pop.
Barb

I am too, I also have some chinese fan palm seeds planted as well. I'm guessing those should take less time?

Butias have a reputation for being hard to germinate but I find them very easy! I have thousands of volunteer seedlings in my yard at any given moment and I have yet to actually plant a seed!!. They fall beneath the parents and come up like crazy. They even come up in my lawn where people step on them. I would simple push them about 1/2 to 1 inch deep in soil that has some kind of mulch (pine straw in my yard) and then (this is the hard part) forget about them! When soil temperatures reach 75-80F. they will begin to germinate. I think being under mulch during the winter and early spring helps breakdown the tough fibrous shell better. Good luck!

Thank you everyone for the advice. I'll post pictures as soon as something comes up! 😀

I enjoy growing palms from seeds, but it is slow.
In the meantime, Butia palms are pretty inexpensive down south. When you get to Atlanta you'll be able to buy a large one for not much. Even up here, the 15 gallon pot size was marked down to US$40 at HD a month ago. I didn't buy one. 🙁

I did happen to buy this at a local nursery in Vidalia, Ga:

http://palmsnorth.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=28939#28939