Butia capitata seeds

[ZeroLT1]

I was doing a bit of research about how long it takes Pindo Palms to germinate. I have found some sites saying 4-6 months others 1-2 years. I was just wondering if anyone else has some personal experience on the subject, and if so what might speed up germination.

[Paul Ont]

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!

[lucky1]

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/p ... nation.htm

[ZeroLT1]

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.

[lucky1]

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

[ZeroLT1]

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

[gpenny]

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!

[ZeroLT1]

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

[TerdalFarm]

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.

[ZeroLT1]

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

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