How do you mean "...found ants on several of the coconuts"? Ants run around all over the place so it's not unusual for them to climb over fallen coconuts. Unless you mean termites, sometimes referred to as White Ants. I've never had any problem from ants with coconuts. Termites, depending on species, definitely yes.

You can just lay coconuts flat on the ground where you want them to grow. The roots just pierce the husk and go straight down into the ground. If you want them in pots, it's the same thing, lay them flat on the soil. From there it's just like any plant, maintain moisture especially in hotter weather.

Hi
They are fairly easy to sprout IF the seed is viable and kept warm. If in Florida you'll probably have the best luck after winter. I bury about half the husk in a fairly moist soil
Be patient have had them take a year !!
gary

I am in Stuart, FL.

The ants may have been termites...they seem to have consumed much of the coconut. I will just keep a watchful eye for things like that. That was on coconuts that fell one year ago, so they may have been rotten to begin with.

I have taken roughly twenty of the coconuts and half-buried them as you described, Gary. I was surprised to see that one sprout after only 2-3 months. We will see how long these others take. I am in no hurry.

Thanks for the input, everyone.

Hi
i find palm seeds remarkable in the variation in the length of time to germination.. have had cocos in 2 months
while others can go a year . Among other types from 2 weeks to 27 months!! Most certainly require warmth especially cocos. gary

Was it just the husk the termites consumed, or did they get right inside as well?