Hardy Palm Sprouts!

I was getting really frustrated with my palms so I went outside and dug them up. I was delighted to see that two species had begun to sprout! You can see the Trachycarpus wagnerianus on the right. One of the two sprouts has a bit of rot towards the tip but I'm hoping it will pull through. On the left you can see two Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera sprouts. I don't see any signs of rot. I expect some more sprouts so I'll keep checking. I planted about 10 seeds of each variety. I'll grow them indoors through the first winter under lights. Still no luck with the Jubaea chilensis but apparently they can take up to a year.

Now here is what my community plot looks like right now. Just planted the Musa basjoo (banana) as well as some calla lily in front and my 25 Trachycarpus fortunei palm sprouts. I've been told they probably won't survive the winter unprotected so I might have to erect a little structure. They're hard to see in the picture, just to the right of the tomato plants in the centre.

Cold Hardy Palm Seeds Arrive! Jubaea chilensis, Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera', Trachycarpus wagnerianus

My final batch of seeds arrived this morning!  I purchased them from Jungle Seeds.  It decided to buy a second pack of Jubaea chilensis in the hopes that if one batch doesn't work out, the other will.  I also grabbed some Trachycarpus wagnerianus and Chamaerops humilis var. Cerifera.  Apparently a leaflet with special instructions was suppose to be included for the Jubaea.  I looked for about 10 minuets but it's definitely not there.  I thought maybe it slept out to I checked the floor.  Still nothing.  Fortunately I know the 'special' method used to sprout them.

I've also been introduced to a possible job and the University of British Colombia Botanical Gardens as a shop manager.  It sounds like a great position and I think I'm very well qualified.  The only negative is that I'll have to drive right across the city each day.  Fortunately, we were planning on moving the end of the summer anyway so we could just relocate closer.

Stevie from Garden Therapy also forwarded my resume to two companies which I really appreciate.  Thanks!

In the Community Garden, the seedlings are growing well.  Everything has sprouted.  I noticed a few dog treads crushing some of my spinach which pissed me off a little.  But then I took a few deep breathes and... everything was fine!  Now there was a rage blackout somewhere in there but I have no idea what happened or if anyone/thing was harmed.

I've also been asked to border a large plot with stones.  There aren't very many left in the area and Stevie pointed me to some large concrete chunks.  They actually look quite good and offer a home for what otherwise would be garbage.  They're a bit sharp though so if anyone comes to Cottonwood, make sure to wear shoes.

I would love to make a willow structure at Cottonwood.  Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?  Maybe where we could grab some willow twigs?

I was too lazy to type out the germination info so I just took pictures.  In 5 - 10 years I'll have a jungle!

Cold Hardy Palm: Chamaerops humilis var cerifera (Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm)

The next palm that I desperately want is Chamaerops humilis var cerifera. It may also be known as var 'argentea'. This is a blue/grey variety of the species and is slightly more robust. It appears to be able to tolerate more moisture and lower temperatures than the standard variety. I may however be a bit slower growing.

The image below is from a site offering a huge selection of palm seeds.  The prices are about average but they are a good quality supplier.  You can visit it here.  As you can see, this palm is gorgeous!

This is a small clumping palm that grows to a maximum height of between 2.5m and 5m. Some sources say up to 6m depending on conditions (and likely if suckers are removed) The overall height often depends on the growing zone. This palm is rated from USDA zone 7b to past 11. Absolute minimum temperatures are about -15C (5F) but it may prove to be hardier. The lower the zone, the lower the final height of the palm (as a general rule for all species).

It is a great palm for a Mediterranean type climate as the name suggests. Full sun is best as well good drainage. In a climate like Vancouver, the crown may need to be protected in the winter to prevent any risk of rot. This is as simple as a bit of plastic over the top of the plant. Don't wrap too tightly as it needs room to breathe. A tent-like structure may be best. In the summer it is drought tolerant and a great plant for xeriscaping.

Now for a warning. This plant has two rows of spines along each leaf stem. As long as you pay attention you'll be fine. I wouldn't suggest it for anyone with young kids or pets unless you can ensure appropriate protection.

Hopefully I'll be getting a few seeds over the next week or so. Then maybe they'll be a decent size by the time I actually own a place! Still no full time job but I've found some small projects that will keep us going. At least until I can become a starship captain and explore the galaxy, leading the terraforming effort of uninhabited worlds across the cosmos. :)