Chamaerops humilis var cerifera (Blue Mediterranean Fan Palm) seeds

Striking blue palm suitable for a Mediterranean or gravel garden as well as as a houseplant where it will thrive in a warm, sunny room.  Blue palms tend to be more robust and hardier than their green relatives and also tolerate drought and wind better.  A trouble free palm perfect for beginners!

Minimum temperature -10C so may need winter protection with a fleece jacket if grown outside and for the first few years.  Also very happy when grown as a houseplant in a brightly lit position.

Hardy Palm (to -10C)
Height: 3m, Spread: 2m - smaller as a houseplant
Position: Full sun in very well drained soil

Packet of 5 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year in moist seed compost, eg John Innes, mixed 50:50 with vermiculite. Seeds can be sown individually in pots, in deep trays, or if space is limited in small bags. Cover seeds with about 5mm of compost. Place containers in a propagator or above a radiator at about 25-30C during the day and 20C at night. Keep compost moist at all times but not wet or the seeds may rot. Palm seeds often make a large root before a shoot so carefully check seeds regularly. When a root appears, pot up individually into 9-11cm pots. Germination can be erratic but should take place in 1 - 4 weeks.

Growing Instructions: Grow the seedlings on at a minimum temperature of around 18C reducing this as plants become stronger. When plants are a year old they can be placed outside in summer (at least 10C at night) after a period of hardening off (move plants outdoors during day and back indoors at night for 10 days). Can be planted out in the garden when 3-4 years old but will need to be protected from frost by wrapping with straw and fleece/bubble wrap.  Plant in very well-drained soil and lots of sun, preferably in a sheltered spot away from strong winds.