Palm Tree Propagation - Growing New Palm Trees

informer | May 2, 2011 |

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You can propagate palm trees using two main methods i.e. seed germination and offshoot removal. Details are given below.

Propagating Palm Trees by Seed Germination

Germination is a process that starts when you sow the seeds and ends when the seed turns into little plants or seedlings. All kinds of palm trees can be propagated through seeds. You can either collect seeds from a fruit producing palm or buy them from a store. Seeds of a variety of species are available online also.

If you collect seeds from your palm, make sure you remove the fruit coating on them completely. It is important to remove every single particle of fruit material to protect the seed from fungus. It is hard to remove fruit from seeds of some palm species. In such case, soak the fruit in warm water for a couple of days and the fruit will come off very easily. It is important to note that you should allow the fruit to ripe completely before collecting it.

Now, either you have bought the seeds or collected them, the following steps are the same. Soak them in water for a day or two, this will quicken the germination process. plant the seeds in rich, quickly draining soil. Water the soil. Keep the soil moist. Do not expose the seeds or seedlings to direct sunlight. Depending on the species, the germination can take several months to occur.

Propagating Palm Trees through Offshoot Removal

A few species of palm trees produce offshoots or suckers. These suckers or pups can be removed and planted as new plants. You should remove the pup right from the base without damaging or disturbing the mother plant. Use a sharp knife for this purpose. Once you have removed the pup, plant it into a rich, quickly draining soil. Water it and place it under the shade. Look for the signs of new growth. It is important to note that a plant called "sago palm" is very commonly propagated using this method but this plant is not a true palm. Sago palm belong to a family of plants called cycads.