$10 · Mature Windmill Palm Seeds

Would you like to try your hand at growing windmill palms? For successful windmill palm propagation, you need healthy ripe seed that is viable. Ripe seeds will come from drupes that are deeply bluish black and shaped a bit like a kidney bean. These will arrive on female plants approximately sometime in winter. You will need to clean off the pulp to get at the seeds. Most gardeners advocate the soaking method. Simply place seed in a bowl of warm water and let them soak for a couple of days. Then rinse off any pulp. You should now have fresh clean seed ready for propagating windmill palms. A good potting mix is 50 percent peat and 50 percent perlite. Pre-moisten the medium before you plant the seed. Once you have your seeds and your pre-moistened medium, it is time to plant. Fresh seed will germinate much more quickly and consistently than saved seed. Insert each seed to a depth of ½ inch (1 cm.) and cover lightly with the medium. Place a clear plastic bag over the flat or container. You are basically making a little greenhouse to contain moisture and encourage heat. Place the container in a dark area of the home that is at least 65 degrees F. (18 C.). Germination should occur in a month or two. If excess condensation builds up, remove the bag for an hour each day to prevent fungal development. Once the seedlings show, remove the bag entirely. $10 per good-sized bunch cut directly from tree. Near Jubilee Hospital