Washingtonia Robusta | Mexican Fan Palm Tree | 15 seeds | Same Day Dispatch

Please find for sale 15 fresh seeds of Washingtonia Robusta, better known as the Mexican Cotton Palm. This is probably the best palm for first-time growers - quick to germinate, grows quickly and is relatively hardy. After cold stratification, I have been getting near 100% germination on these - I also sell the plants if you want to save yourself some time and effort.

PLEASE NOTE: All orders received before 8pm (Mon-Fri) will be dispatched same day

SAVE PACKAGING MATERIALS  - SEE OTHER INTERESTING & UNUSUAL SEEDS & PLANTS IN MY SHOP

INSTRUCTIONS - TO SAVE PAPER I NO LONGER SEND OUT WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTIONS ARE BELOW SO PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE. 

This palm makes a fantastic feature palm for living rooms or conservatories and will be very happy all summer long on a summer patio. This palm is hardy down to minus 6, however as is often the case in the UK it is not the cold that kills such plants outdoors in winter, it is cold AND wet. These palms can be successfully overwintered outdoors in many places - as long as in free draining soil, fleeced in really cold weather and perhaps sheltered from rain.

Germination Guide

1) Soak the seeds in room temperature water for 2 days, changing the water daily

2) Using gloves, quickly dip the seeds in a 10% household bleach solution then rinse off with fresh water (this process sterilizes the seeds, and reduces the chance of fungal growth.

3) Prepare a little potting mix - ideally 50/50 of regular compost mixed with perlite, vermiculite or horticultural sand. Mix should be moist but not wet

4) Put the compost mix in a plastic container and microwave on full power for 2 minutes (kills any fungus etc). Allow to cool

5) For maximum germionation, a little cold stratification greatly helps. Mix the seeds with the compost and put in a ziplock bag. Place in fridge for a month or so 

6) After stratification, spread the seeds over the compost surface, about 2.5cm apart. Sprinkle a 0.75cm layer of potting mix over the seeds. Lightly press down on the soil so it sits firmly over the seeds.

7) Seeds tray can be cover loosely with a plastic bag but we find the risk of rot is much reduced if left open, with the seeds tray sitting inside a plastic tray/container to allow watering from the bottom.

8)  Ideally place the tray on a heat mat with a temperature of 25c-30c. If you do not have a heat mat or heated propagator, you can use the airing cupboard, checking the seeds every couple of days.

9) Ensure compost does not dry out. If uncovered, the best way is to pour water into the container below the seed tray, allow this water to be taken up by the compost for 30 mins or so, then once the moisture visible on the surface drain off remaining water from the container.

10) Seeds should germinate in 10 to 30 days