hmm I wanted to post a picture, but my camera isnt getting the detail I need. Basically, I am soaking the seeds, and They seem pretty soft. There is a black coating around them, that scrapes off with a fingernail, is this the skin layer that I need to take off them before trying to germinate or do I leave it? Also, I have vermiculite, peat moss, and perlite. What mixture if not all is the best for takils? Any detail you have about the germination process would be great!! Thanks!
Fresh seed germinates best. Older seeds need a soak as you've done but "pretty soft" as you've suggested, isn't good. If the seeds have been stored for a while, a 24 hour soak is all that's required. Peat and perlite (starter mix) moderately damp in a zip-lock bag or container at 65F - 80F is sufficent. Leave the outer thin paper-like skin as it doesn't inhibit germination. As a side note, there's much discussion and debate regarding Trachycarpus takil and it's validity as a species unto it's own. Now it's generally accepted by many enthusiasts and experts that T. takil is just a variation of Trachycarpus fortunei. Personally, I tend to agree with that theory as well. In the mean time, enjoy germinating those seeds! Cheers, LPN.
