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andyandy_gw

new seedlings: need advice

18 years ago

I planted about 50 seeds back in October and 4 have shot up a strap leaf. 2 Phoenix Can. 1 Bottle palm, and another that I think is another bottle. They are in small compartments that are about 1 inch wide and 1.5-2 inches deep. They are getting constant heat from a heat mat. They are growing quickly because of the constant soil temps in the low 80s. Should they be fine until March-April when I can pot them and put them in the window (it's overcast here almost every day this time of year) In the spring when it's sunny consistantly the sun through the glass hitting plastic pots really warms up the soil. I have checked a number of the un-sprouted seeds and they have a root just no strap leaf yet.

thanx,

Andy

Comments (13)

  • 18 years ago

    Come March or April, I would not put them in full sun. Let them acclimate.

  • 18 years ago

    Andy,even a overcast day has some UV'S,don't know how much,but I have notice growth on my need pink germinated bananas,even on cloudy days that last for days and days.
    Don
    I will take a pic of my bottle palm when I get back home,have to leave for a few hours.

  • 18 years ago

    I know that the palms grow even with days and days being overcast but it's the soli temperature shock that would concern me. If I re-pot any now they will have soil temps in the 60s not 80s.

  • 18 years ago

    Andy i wouldn't. You could kill the root being that juvenile. I would wait till warmer weather.

  • 18 years ago

    Topher-
    I think you are right. As long as they get enoguh water they should be fine. Even if they get root bound and don't grow much more I'm still way ahead of the game as opposed to germinating in the summer. The tallest Phoenix Can. is about 4 inches and the bottle has two fronds already and is about 4 inches tall as well.

  • 18 years ago

    Andy, how long did it take your bottles to sprout? I planted some bots on Dec 29th. The package said it could take up to 4 MONTHS. I am patient, but man, that seems like a long time! I have it on a heat mat, so I am hoping it wont take THAT long! I love the look of those palms though!

  • 18 years ago

    Here's some pics of my bottle palm seedling.
    This is a seedling I got from Chris Faulkner
    this summer,it has tripled in size,a lot faster
    than what I read about these.

  • 18 years ago

    It does look like it grows faster tham I've heard.
    Protemfish-
    I can't be exact bot it took about 8 weeks to sprout. I'm using a heat mat so the soil temp is about 80 24/7. it is really groing fast. It's getting all afternoon indirect sun.

  • 18 years ago

    8 weeks, ok that doesnt sound too bad. My concern is what if the seeds I bought were old? I did the 'float test' and they did sink, but you just never know if they will germinate. I guess by planting 10 at a time you have better odds! Sorta like sitting by fireplace on x-mas eve and having santa pull a no show. Albeit THAT never happens. :)

  • 18 years ago

    I've only had one out of about 8 germinate. I'm hoping some just take longer.

  • 18 years ago

    A lot of seeds are that way I have often wondered
    Why it takes some more time when they are all on the same setup ? My experiences has been with robustas some will pop in about a week while some may take 2-3 wks. The slowest I have found is sabal saw They take an eternity I am going on 2.5 months now !

  • 18 years ago

    Topher-
    I'm fighting the temptation to pull all of the ones that havn't germinated yet out of the soil and see what the deal is. Especaiily my Andean Wax Palms. They have not done a thing. They are thick and solid though so I have hope. When it finally warms up after I pot up what has germinated I will move all of the seeds outside and hopefully many of them will germinate over the summer.

  • 18 years ago

    If their not rotting i wouldn't pull them. Some just take a while .I have always had washys to germinate in a week
    the ones i'm germinating now are going on 2 . I think it just depends how fresh your seed are . My sabal saw is rocking on 3 months and nothing yet. ive got a lala
    i'm also waiting on. I am with you on the outside thing
    i think it's just too cold now. Let me know if your andeans do anything. How did you do your kings ? I have some kings and dates coming soon.

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