Question for Okanagan or other artifical light growers.

[Cali-wanna-b]

Okanagan

I have read in some of your posts that you grow your seedling palms under artifical light. I would greatly appreciate a few tips from you or others that use the same techniques. I have a few dozen seedlings going and do not have the space near a window or greenhouse to over winter my palm seedlings. I do have alot of basement space with access to flourescent light fixtures. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me concerning an indoor growing system.

Cali

[Okanagan desert-palms]

Cali you will have a great advantage in time saved growing seedlings under flourescent lights and metal halide bulbs. I would suggest planting each seedling individually into plastic seedling trays from any nursery ,or order online tree seedling trays as they are deeper for palm roots. Save yourself the hassle of trying to separate each seedling from a community pot,needless stress for the palms and you. I grow mine under flourescent grow bulbs because they contain both the red and blue light spectrum. 24/7 for the first 2 months or longer. Then place them under 600 to 1000 watt metal halide bulbs for 16 hours on 8 hours off. I use root vitamins such as Superthrive and Thrive alive from the first strap leaf,then fertilize after one month. You will find the winter can be fun seeing your seedlings take off and really be ready for spring outside without worrying about sunburn. Hope this helps.
John

[Cali-wanna-b]

John

Thank you so much for your response. I am not familiar with metal halide bulbs. Do they require a special light fixture?

I must say, I have seen your palms and without a doubt you have a very sound technique.

thanks,
Cali