Washingtonia filifera (Desert Fan Palm) seeds

Robust palm species with a sturdy, distinctive, mahogany-red trunk and large fan shaped leaves with fine fibres hanging from them.  A versatile palm which can be grown outdoors with minimal protection, in a container or as an indoor plant. An unusual and striking palm which would make a fine addition to any palm collection. 

Hardy Palm (to -6C- protect with fleece jacket if necessary
Flowers: Summer on mature plants
Height: to 12m, smaller indoors
Position: Full sun or semi shade in well drained soil

Packet of 10 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year in moist seed compost 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).  Can be planted out in the garden when 3-4 years old after a period of hardening off (move plants outdoors during day and back indoors at night for 10 days), but will need to be protected from frost by wrapping with straw and fleece/bubble wrap if the temperature drops below -6C.  Growing it in very well drained soil, eg in a gravel garden, will help the palm cope with the cold better.