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I have just returned from St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) with 10 fresh and very ripe royal palm seeds. I have cleaned them and removed all the outer fruit. They are going to soak for 5 days at room temp, while changing the water daily. I am planning on putting all 10 into a community pot which will sit on top of a moderate heat source. I think I should also put a large zip lock bag over the pot to keep the temp and humidity high. This will be my first attempt at germinating palm seeds, I must say I am very excited, any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Rob

Rob, you seem to have most of the key aspects down. The only thing that I might add would be to open up the ziploc bag for an hour or two every few days. This will allow a bit of fresh air to circulate, and keep mold from growing on the seeds.

and if mold does grow, keep a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide nearby.

Are you pressing the seeds just to make contact with soil in the community pot, or do you plan to bury the seeds?

Good luck with them, Rob.
Keep your camera nearby please to show us the results.

Barb

I am planning on half burying the seeds on their sides, is this correct? 50/50 peat moss and perlite. Soil at 75 to 85 f.
Do they require any sunlight?

half burying the seeds on their sides,

That works for me.

As to sunlight, I hedge my bets by putting the community pots under grow lights at night, just in case they do need light.
I'm thinking of palms in habitat, where seeds drop to the ground.
Nobody comes along and buries them (other than maybe animals stomping on them or eating them).
Sun does shine on fallen seeds, but I feel that moisture and 85 to 95F are the prime activators.
The sun's heat probably speeds germination.

Bet you've got some nice photos of your trip to St. Thomas...

Barb

I will post some pics tonight, some beautiful palms down there. Most of the royal palms (Roystonea Borinquena) had ripe fruit ready for germination. I only wish I could have brought back more seeds. I will post pics as I start the germination process.

Rob