I think patience is the best answer! You have consistency in germination within the same species, so you are really doing pretty good. A lot of this really depends on species, and age of seeds. I really don't germinate palm seeds the way you have chosen, instead I use the baggie method, but sounds like you are having pretty good results. Just keep everything damp and be patient. Age of seeds plays a big role in germination time. The older the seeds the longer you wait. Some may not sprout, some may take as long as a year or more. I've had quite a few rot instead of germinate. It's just really hard to say because if you aren't collecting the seeds fresh, you just really don't know what you're working with. Love the Bismarks, by far the prettiest of fan palms to me. Good luck!

I understande that seed freshness has a lot to do with germination time. I am fairly sure that my seeds are relatively fresh. My question had to do with the "possible" moldy substance on my seeds that have been in moist soil for almost a month now. Should I be concerned? I am tempted to start a fresh batch, but I do not want the same results. I thought that if I soaked my seeds, planted in the correct soil medium, and kept the temperature right, that I would have seen better results by now. I pinched the seeds gently and they are still firm. I hope I am just over reacting.

My second question still stands:

On another note, what ph should I try to keep the soil of my canary date palms at? They are still on their 3rd leaf. Do you recommend granular fertilizer or liquid? Any brands you like more than others?

David My royals still havn't popped either i was told they were fresh and i have never had any problems with that seller before. Mold is common in germinating seeds just spray them with bleach and it will take care of that.I use
2 diffrient kinds of fertilizer liquid miracle grow and osmocote granuals just hang in there thy will pop for you.
only 2.5 wks till everything comes out of the greenhouse !