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hunter_m_gw

How long does it take!!

15 years ago

About a month ago I bought some foxtail seeds. I got 11, and I planted 9. The guy who sold them to me said they should sprout in 1-4 months. Its been a month and not one of them has sprouted. Why? Would it hurt to dig up one of the seeds and see if its growing a root then put it back?

Comments (7)

  • 15 years ago

    They are indoor.

  • 15 years ago

    Palm seeds could take a long time too sprout some times over a year. I planted some windmill palm seeds last spring It took about 2-3 months for them too sprout however some sprouted in the winter more than 6 months later. You could check if you be careful. Most likely nothing.

  • 15 years ago

    Palm tree seeds can germinate very fast, or very slow. Even the fastest ones take about 2 weeks to germinate which is pretty slow in comarison to other plants. I would keep them outside in shade since foxtail palms probably do need temperatures in the 80s to germinate quickly. I have very bad luck germinating things indoors, but most of the seeds I plant outside germinate with no problems!
    I wouldnt check on them. Its not worh the risk. If those roots break, the palm will never grow fast, and it might not even sprout. Palms are very very pickly about root damage, especially at that age.
    -Alex

  • 15 years ago

    Actulally I already checked 2 of the 9 I planted. I didnt see any roots. Could I have still hve hurt the seed? Also I will put them outside but in 5b where I am it was 69 I think last night or the night before. Would the high 60s hurt them?

  • 15 years ago

    Hunter, a good technique is to cover the pots with plastic wrap to keep the soil moist and air humid. Place them in a warm place like in the hot water heater closet or on top of the refrigerator. Check them every few days to see if soil is still damp (not wet ) or for sprouts. Seeds don't need sunlight to sprout, but warmth is key.

    Be patient. Palm seeds often sprout roots first and can take longer before you see a leaf push up.

    After they sprout, move them into a
    bright spot. Direct sun may burn
    them, so acclimate them slowly.

    In the future do some research on how to sprout the type of seeds you acquire. There is alot of good info on
    this site and Google. Basic tips: clean seed of all fruit or pulp. Soak seeds
    In warm water for 24 hrs, changing
    water regularly. Plant in peat pods or potting soil. Cover as suggested and place in warm spot.

    Good luck and be patient.

  • 15 years ago

    Night time temperatures in the 60s will not hurt your palms (Hawaii has nights in the upper 60s pretty often!). If days arent in the 80s, then you can do like wetsuiter says and keep them in a warm spot indoors. Definitely cover the pot with some plastic so they stay nice and humid.
    You cant hurt the seeds by lifting them up if they haven't spouted yet.
    There are tons of ways to germinate palm seeds on the internet, but I have never germinated any palm seeds before, so I cant share any techniques unfortunately.
    Good luck!
    -Alex

  • 15 years ago

    Alex, I'm surprised that you've never germinated palm seeds. I got a Christmas palm seed to sprout when I was around Hunter's age, after I picked up seeds on a school trip to Florida.

    I've been more precise and scientific about it lately after recent trips to San Diego and Savannah.

    Hunter, one note of caution. If you put pots of seeds in the hot water
    heater closet, don't put them right on the tank itself. It could be too hot. I put a tray on the plastic pipes right above the tank. Seeds sprout quickly in there.

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