So I've got some windmill seeds coming.... now what do I do?

[wheelman1976]

As my title says, I splurged on ebay the other night and bought 5 seeds just for kicks.... what is a good procedure for me to get these things going? Any pointers?

[lucky1]

Doug, there are lots of tips/hints here:

viewtopic.php?t=3519

It's a long post, but full of valuable seed starting info, with many people's experiences shared.

Let us know what works for you...and you can post your info on that Germination topic for others to learn from too.

Barb

[lucky1]

Doug, here's the baggie method explained:

http://gardenofeaden.blogspot.com/2012/ ... seeds.html

This method is used by most people to germinate palm seeds.
You can also substitute a tupperware, or take-out, container with lid for larger quantities of palm seed.

Good luck.
Barb

[TimMAz6]

i've always grown Trachy in plastic baggies with slightly moist peat moss. Soak the peat moss in water until saturated. Squeeze water out of peat as hard as you can with your hands and place in zip lock bag with seeds mixed in. Place bag in a location about 80F (+26C) if possible and in a few weeks they will show roots.

[coconutmike]

Hey Barb I love that BananaJoe Video- He's the master at growing palms from seed and your not too bad either-so Wheelman. do the baggie method
Don't expect all 5 to germinate though you may only get 2 -good-luck
mike

[wheelman1976]

sounds good.... they haven't shown up yet, hopefully tomorrow.

[lucky1]

I'm the only person here to NOT like the baggie method or peat moss.

Tried it lots of times with palm and cycad seeds, even taping bags to the back of my old computer screen for warmth!
Also laid baggies on electric germinating mats, not big enough.

Too hard to see when seeds pop, too much handling of the bag as sprouting occurs haphazardly.
Then getting them out without damaging the tender "beginnings", which can easily snap off.

In front of the wood stove works best for me.
On warm concrete floor.
Larger yoghurt cups work great for one or two seeds each, just punch a drain hole.
Obviously impractical for large seed quantities.

Keeping humidity high is easy, just lay a plastic dry cleaning bag over the whole lot.

Germination rates are so variable, Doug, so if you want 10 plants, buy 20 or 30 seeds and try different methods to see which works best for you.
Cameron's "germination" topic is great reading/looking.
He's done thousands and probably lives in his car now because his house is full

Barb