Palms are unique among woody ornamental plants because, with relatively few exceptions, palm species can only be propagated from seed. Palms are also notorious in the nursery trade for slow and uneven seed germination. It has been estimated that over 25% of all palm species require over 100 days to germinate and have less than 20% total germination (Tomlinson 1990). The primary reason for this is that the seeds of most species contain small or immature embryos that must complete their development before germination can occur. Nonetheless, the palm grower can maximize success with germinating palm seeds by paying careful attention to a number of basic guidelines. The purpose of this publication is to outline and discuss the various aspects of handling and germinating palm seeds in the most cost-effective and reliable manner possible.
Palm seeds vary tremendously with respect to size. Many palms have seeds no larger than 1/4 inch in diameter, while the largest seed of any flowering plant in the world is that of a palm (the double coconut, Lodoicea maldivica). The bulk of a palm seed is taken up by nutritive tissue called endosperm that provides food for the germinating seedling for a longer period of time than most flowering plants (Figure 1). The “milk” and white meat of a coconut are liquid and solid endosperm, respectively. The palm embryo is very small, either cylindrical or top-shaped. The seeds themselves may be either round or variously elongated. Their surfaces may be smooth or intricately sculptured. Some are surrounded by a hard, water- and air-impermeable coat. Fibers from the fruit wall frequently remain attached to the seed, even after cleaning.
Bamboo palms are gorgeous tropical plants that can add an exotic flair to any indoor or outdoor space. Their slender, bamboo-like trunks and graceful, feathery fronds make them ideal for creating a tropical oasis, whether on your patio or in your living room.
If you want to grow your own bamboo palm the journey begins with the seed. Understanding how to handle bamboo palm seeds will ensure success at every stage from germination to transplanting. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about bamboo palm seed germination, storage, and sowing.
There are over 100 species of bamboo palm within the genus Chamaedorea, all native to Mexico and Central America. Most varieties grow to around 6-10 feet indoors or up to 20 feet in ideal outdoor conditions Their fronds come in various shades of green, from bright lime to deep forest, and some have a bluish hue
Bamboo palms prefer humid environments and shady conditions. They make excellent houseplants, tolerating low light levels. Outdoors, they need shelter from direct sunlight. With the right care, these tropical beauties can thrive for decades.
Germinating Bamboo Palm Seeds
Getting bamboo palm seeds to sprout takes patience and care. Here are some tips for maximizing your germination success:
Pretreating the Seeds
Like many palm species, bamboo palms have hard outer seed coats that need to be softened for the embryo to emerge. Start by soaking seeds in warm water for 1-3 days until they swell. Seeds that float should be discarded.
Scarification is another pretreatment option. Gently scratch or nick the seed coat with sandpaper or a file. This allows moisture to penetrate more easily.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix
Good drainage and aeration are essential for germinating palm seeds. Use a sterile seed starting mix amended with perlite or vermiculite. Moisten the soil before sowing.
Sowing at the Optimal Temperatures
The ideal temperature range for sprouting bamboo palm seeds is 75-85°F. Consider investing in a seedling heat mat if your home is cooler.
Proper Lighting Conditions
Place seeds in bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill is often perfect. Avoid direct sunlight during the delicate germination period.
Consistent Moisture
Check seeds daily and water just enough to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Excess water can lead to rot and disease.
With perfect conditions, bamboo palm seeds may still take 2-6 months to sprout. Don’t give up too soon!
Storing Bamboo Palm Seeds
You may not always be ready to sow seeds as soon as they arrive. Proper storage preserves viability over several years.
Cool, Dry Conditions
Store seeds at 60-70°F in sealed containers safe from pests, out of direct sun. Add silica gel packs to prevent moisture buildup.
Regular Viability Checks
Inspect stored seeds every few months. Discard any that are moldy, shriveled, or damaged. Germination rates decline over time.
Avoiding Cross-Pollination
If storing seeds from different palm species, keep them physically separated and meticulously labeled to avoid hybridization.
With cool, airtight storage, bamboo palm seeds can remain viable for 1-2 years. For best results, sow within a few months of collecting.
Sowing Bamboo Palm Seeds
Once germinated, it’s time to move your baby bamboo palm into its own pot. Here’s how to ensure a successful transition.
Prepare the Seedling Pots
Use 3-4 inch pots filled with a well-draining potting mix designed for palms and tropicals. Moisten the soil before transplanting.
Carefully Separate the Seedlings
Use a spoon or gentle stream of water to tease the roots apart without damaging the tender sprouts. Handle seedlings by their leaves, not stems.
Plant at the Correct Depth
Set the seedling in the pot so its base sits just below the soil surface. Fronds can rest right on top. Press soil gently around the roots.
Ideal Light Conditions
Keep freshly planted seedlings in bright, indirect light. Slowly acclimate them to increased sun exposure over a period of 2-4 weeks.
Consistent Humidity and Moisture
Mist seedlings daily and water when the top inch of soil dries out. Protect from harsh winds or temperature fluctuations.
With attentive care, bamboo palm seedlings will flourish into graceful, vibrant houseplants or garden accent plants. Proper germination, storage, and sowing techniques allow you to successfully grow these tropical beauties yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bamboo Palm Seeds
Growing bamboo palms from seeds takes time and care. Here are answers to some common questions about bamboo palm seed germination, storage, and sowing.
How long does it take bamboo palm seeds to germinate?
Soaking followed by 2-6 months of perfect growing conditions are required before most bamboo palm seeds will sprout. Be patient, as some seeds can take almost a full year.
What is the best temperature for germinating bamboo palm seeds?
The ideal range is 75-85°F. Consider a heat mat if your home is cool. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
How should I store leftover bamboo palm seeds?
Keep any extra seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place around 60-70°F. Check frequently for mold or decay.
Do bamboo palm seeds need light to germinate?
Yes, they require bright but indirect light. Avoid direct sun during the sprouting stage. Slowly introduce stronger light after germination.
How can I boost germination rates for old bamboo palm seeds?
Soak older seeds for longer, up to a week. Scarify thick shells. Discard any seeds that float or seem damaged or moldy before sowing.
How deep should I plant bamboo palm seeds?
Sow seeds just below the soil surface, about 1/4-1/2 inch deep. Cover lightly with soil. Deeper planting can hinder germination.
Growing stunning bamboo palms starts with high quality, properly stored seeds sown with care. Follow these tips to successfully germinate, store, and sow your bamboo palm seeds. You’ll be rewarded with a gracefully exotic addition to your indoor or outdoor space.
Types of Palm Seed Germination
The way palm seeds germinate falls into one of two categories. In palms with remote germination (Figure 2a–c), the seedling axis develops at some distance from the actual seed. The first structure to emerge from the seed is called the cotyledonary petiole. It resembles, and many people mistake it for, the first seedling root. The cotyledonary petiole grows downward into the soil (sometimes very deeply) and swells at its base. From this swelling emerges the first seedling root (radicle) and seedling shoot (plumule). The actual cotyledon or seed leaf remains inside the seed, functioning as an absorptive organ called the haustorium. The haustorium transfers nutrients from the endosperm to the young seedling. In palm seeds with remote germination, the radicle persists for some time and produces lateral roots. The seeds of Mediterranean fan palms (Chamaerops humilis), Chinese fan palms (Livistona chinensis), date palms (Phoenix spp.), and Mexican fan palms (Washingtonia robusta) have remote germination.
The other main class of palm seed germination is called adjacent germination (Figure 2d–f). In these seeds, only a small portion of the cotyledon emerges from the seed. It appears as a swollen body abutting the seed surface and is called the “button.” The radicle and plumule emerge from the bottom and top of the button. In palms with adjacent germination, the first seedling root or radicle is usually narrow and very short lived and is quickly replaced by roots formed at the seedling stem base (adventitious roots). As with remote germination, a haustorium remains inside the seed absorbing food from the endosperm. Some common palms with adjacent germination include areca (Dypsis lutescens), Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae), and coconut (Cocos nucifera). In coconut, however, the first stages of germination occur in the fibrous fruit wall that adheres to the seed. They cannot be observed without dehusking the nut.
A number of palm species (Bismarckia, for example) bury the seedling axis deep in the soil. These species require some special handling that will be discussed later in this circular.
Seeds may be collected from local sources (trees in the landscape) or purchased from commercial dealers. Local collection has certain advantages; the freshness, degree of maturity, and parentage of the seed are usually known by the collector. If the seed will be stored, the collector will be controlling the methods used and the duration of storage. Commercial dealers can usually offer larger quantities and a greater diversity of species. Commercial dealers will also be handling the time consuming chores of seed cleaning, which may require special equipment. However, the age and ultimate germination percentage of purchased seed are frequently unknown. Testing a sample of commercially available seed before purchase is a wise precaution (see next section).
With few exceptions seed should be collected when the fruit is completely ripe (showing full color), or as soon as it falls from the tree (Figure 3). A few exceptions have been noted. Seed from green fruits of queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) germinate better than seed from half-ripe or ripe seed (Broschat and Donselman 1987), perhaps due to inhibitors in the fruit. Seed of royal palm (Roystonea regia) from ripe fruits germinated more slowly than seed from half-ripe or green fruits, but fewer of the unripe seed ultimately germinated (Broschat and Donselman 1987).
Soak in Gibberelic Acid (GA
A number of investigators have reported a hastening affect on germination by soaking seed in 10 to 2000 parts-per-million (ppm) concentration of GA3 for 1 to 3 days (Doughty et al. 1986; Nagao & Sakai 1979; Nagao et al. 1980; Odetola 1987). One study found 10-25 ppm worked well for a wide variety of species (Odetola, 1987). However, treatment with this growth regulator causes distortion or excessive elongation of the seedling (Figure 8), in some cases even preventing the seedling from supporting itself (Broschat and Donselman 1987, 1988). Consequently, it is not advisable to use a GA3 presoak despite any positive effects on germination rate.
Scarification of palm seed involves thinning the bony endocarp of palm seeds that may impede imbibition of water. It may be accomplished mechanically, by abrading the surface of the seed until the endosperm becomes visible, or by soaking the seed in dilute to concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for 10 to 30 minutes. Scarification has increased the rate of germination of a number of palm species with hard, water-impermeable seed coats (Holmquist and Popenoe 1967; Nagao et al. 1980; Odetola 1987). Complete removal of the stony endocarp was found to greatly enhance germination percentage and speed in Butia capitata (Broschat 1998). This can be accomplished by cracking individual endocarps in a bench vise or larger quantities in a commercial nut cracker. Since each Butia endocarp contains from one to three seeds, germination rates can exceed 100 seedlings per hundred endocarps with this method. The danger in mechanical or acid scarification is damage to the embryo during the process. The practice should be reserved for seeds with hard and impermeable seed coats. Species that have slow or uneven germination without scarification should have seed scarified on a trial basis before the entire lot of seed is treated.
A variety of germination containers can be used for palms seeds, including pots and flats. Pots are better than flats due to the deeper soil column and better drainage. For very deep-rooted species, and especially those that bury the seedling axis, tree tubes, lengths of PVC pipe, or other improvised containers have been used to provide the extra depth that these seedlings require during early development. Some growers prefer to sow seed in large raised beds constructed from wood or cinder blocks. The most important consideration for any germination container is that it allows adequate drainage of excess water from the substrate.
Palm seed germination subtrates must be well-drained, yet have some moisture-holding capacity. A pattern of alternate extremes of dryness and wetness is detrimental to palm seeds during germination. Particle size in the substrate should not be excessively large nor prone to separation with repeated irrigation. A 1:1 mixture by volume of peat moss and perlite has been successfully used under a wide range of nursery conditions. The mix in a germination substrate should be adjusted depending on the conditions to which the seed will be exposed. For example, seed germinated in full sun will require a substrate with higher water holding capacity than seed germinated under shade, all other conditions being equal.