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.

Jubaea chilensis Manual Cracking

When looking for information on germinating Jubaea I noticed to different groups of people; those who said sow as they are and those who lived by cracking them.  I decided not to crack them for fear of damaging the seeds.  Today I changed my mind.  I took a look and there were no signs of germination.

At first I thought a nutcracker would work.  I asked the landlord if I could borrow one.  There is no way that a hand-held nutcracker could ever open one of these things!  I thought for sure I was set and would have better control so I wouldn't damaged the seeds.  Nope.  Nothing.  I think if I kept trying the nutcracker would've broken.

Next I found a way that actually worked.  I set the seeds up vertically so that one of the pointed sides faced up on a brick walkway.  Then I grabbed a rock and smashed.  To my amazement the shell exploded like a bomb and the seed was completely unharmed.  Ideally your only suppose to do it in one blow to prevent damaged.

I cracked them all with varying degrees of success.  Some still have their entire shells, some half and others are completely naked.  They are more prone to mould this way but I'll check daily and take care of any that shows up.  I did split one seed.  I died a little inside but then remembered that they're edible.  They do look and taste like mini coconuts.  Just no coconut water.

I'm going to soak them another few hours then plant them in a mix of sand and compost/potting soil in 15cm (6") depth pots.  They tend to put out a deep taproot before showing any signs of top growth.  Hopefully it works!  They should be up within a month now (at least the first few).

I've been a little distracted lately so sorry about the lack of posts and commenting. Things are still a little crazy. Hopefully I'll be getting more settled soon. ;)

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!

Seeds Arrive!

Today my first batch of seeds arrived from Whatcom.  I don't have much to say except that I'm super excited!  I've already started soaking some of them.  The other palms should arrive within the next few weeks.  I also transplanted my largest Moringa stenopetala into larger pots today.  Three of the five look fine but I'm worried about the other two.

Cold Hardy Palm: Jubaea chilensis (Chilean Wine Palm)

Since arriving in Vancouver about two weeks ago I've begun extensively researching cold hardy palms.  I've always been a fan of hardy tropical looking plants so I'm unbelievably excited!  I've seen two common varieties here; Trachycarpus fortunei and Chamaerops humilis.  Although I've already grabbed seeds from a Trachy and started soaking them (only about 50), I've come up with a list of nearly 20 other hardy or potentially hardy candidates.

The one I am most interested in now is Jubaea chilensis or the Chilean Wine Palm.  The name comes from the sweet sap that can be boiled into something similar to corn syrup or fermented into alcohol (unfortunately the tree is often cut down to gather it).  It also produces orange fruits known as coquitos.  These can be eaten fresh or turned into jam.

The seeds themselves are also edible.  Apparently they taste almost identical to coconuts.  The image below is from Dave's Garden, a very informative site worth a look.  There is a reference in the upper left hand corner of the image but it is difficult to see.  Can you believe this can grown unprotected in Canada?

This palm is considered a giant by many.  It may grow taller than 25m (82ft).  The growth rate is apparently slow for the first 15 years or so but it then moderate under good conditions.  Adult trunks may be 1m (3ft) in diameter and I've seen 2m monsters mentioned while searching.

This lovely giant is marked for USDA zones 8/9 (up to 10b depending on the source, also one person in 7b).  I know of at least one person growing it on Vancouver Island (not to be confused with Vancouver the city).  It has had no special protection and has grown fine.  I have seen many cases of the plant surviving -15C (5F).  To add to this cold hardiness, Jubaea chilensis also prefers a cooler climate and doesn't mind moisture (perfect for Vancouver).  It does however hate salt spray and must be located away from the coast.  Good drainage is also a necessity.

All that being said, I want one.  I'll keep an eye open for the fruit in stores.  Every supplier I've seen either has ridiculous prices, won't ship to Canada or has a minimal order value.  I say nay!  If anyone knows a good supplier please let me know.  Although they are native to Chile, some have been planted in California and that is where the majority of the seeds appear to come from.  I may have found a good Canadian source I'm just waiting for an email response.  Thanks to anyone that can help!