Germinating Jubaea

(page 2)

the endocarp was completely removed, without hurting the endosperm. This is not an easy task, so you have to practice. Just be patient and don't worry, for this is the only arduous step of my sprouting recipe. These seeds were then placed to sprout in a warm humid environment. Hundreds of other entire seeds underwent the same germination conditions. One month later, some seeds of the first group began to sprout and, four months later, about thirty Jubaea babies were born. Meanwhile, none of the endocarp coated seeds had germinated. Perhaps they will do later, who knows?
Maybe some of our friends, who don't know this trick, would like me to give some more advice. Let's go on, then, with the complete recipe! Firstly to sprout the seeds in best conditions -though I'm really not a specialist in this but just a palm enthusiast as you are. Secondiy to care for the seedlings, as 'infant mortality' seems to be another problem shared by Jubaea growers.

Guidelines for Jubaea seed germination:

1. Collect enough seeds. With just a few of them, germination will be too hazardous. Fresh seeds become available in September/October. But as seen in this article, older ones will also give some good results.

2. Remove most of the mesocarp fibres to facilitate the cracking procedure. Soaking the seeds in water for one or two days may improve this step. Seeds from previous years have often lost their fibres.

3. Crack and completely remove the endocarp. For me, the best way is to strike a single blow to make the shell explode. Repeated strokes increase the risk of damage!

4. Select the supposed viable seeds. A "good" endosperm displays a chestnut brown skin. The fertile germ is identified as a "flat bright brown tear" stuck on the surface of the endosperm. Exclude endosperms which are cracked, flaccid, dark brown and dehydrated, or which smell bad.

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