Jubaea Chilensis Seeds, Coconut Palm

Sowing **Jubaea chilensis**, or Chilean palm, is an accessible method to grow this majestic palm, known for its sturdy trunk and longevity. However, germination can be long and requires specific care. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing **Jubaea chilensis**:

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### **Steps for sowing Jubaea chilensis**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- Sowing can be done year-round in a controlled environment, but it is ideal to start in spring or summer to take advantage of warm temperatures.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- Seeds come from mature fruits, often available in areas where the palm is grown. Clean the pulp before sowing.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
**Jubaea chilensis** seeds have a hard shell, which can slow down their germination. Pretreatment is recommended.

##### **Preprocessing:**
1. **Soaking**:
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for **7 days**, changing the water daily.
- This helps to soften the shell and speed up germination.
2. **Scarification (optional)**:
- If the seeds have not swollen after soaking, lightly rub the shell with sandpaper to facilitate water penetration.

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#### **4. Substrate preparation:**
- **Substrate type**:
- Well-drained mixture of peat, sand and perlite (1:1:1).
- **Drainage**:
- Make sure pots or containers have drainage holes to prevent excess moisture.

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#### **5. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In pots or boxes:**
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the pots with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Place the seeds horizontally on the substrate, then cover them with a layer of substrate of approximately **1 to 2 cm**.
3. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten the substrate with a spray bottle.
4. **Placement**:
- Place the pots in a warm place with a constant temperature of **25°C to 30°C**. A heated mini-greenhouse can be useful.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **25°C and 30°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Keep the substrate slightly moist, but avoid excess water to prevent rot.
- **Germination time**:
- Germination can take **3 to 12 months**, or even longer in some cases. Be patient.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Transfer after germination**:
- When the seed begins to germinate and the first root sprout appears, transfer it to a larger pot with the same type of substrate.
2. **Light**:
- Place young plants in a bright location, but avoid direct sun until they are well established.
3. **Watering**:
- Water regularly, but allow the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings.

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#### **8. Final planting:**
- **When to plant**:
- When the palm tree measures approximately **30 to 50 cm** and has several leaves, it can be transplanted into the ground or into a large pot.
- **Location** :
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- **Spacing**:
- Ensure sufficient space (at least **8 to 10 meters**) if you are planting several palm trees, due to their imposing adult size.

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#### **9. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- Chilean palm is drought tolerant once established, but regular watering promotes optimal growth.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Apply a specific fertilizer for palm trees twice a year (spring and summer) to support their development.
3. **Winter protection**:
- In cold climates, protect young palms from frost with mulch or fabric protection.
4. **Size** :
- Remove only dead or damaged leaves to maintain a neat appearance.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Patience required**:
- **Jubaea chilensis** is a slow growing palm. It can take several decades to reach full maturity.
2. **Ornamental use**:
- Ideal as an accent tree in spacious gardens or as an isolated subject.
3. **Climate**:
- This palm prefers Mediterranean or temperate climates with mild winters.

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### **Conclusion :**
Seedling **Jubaea chilensis** requires patience and careful care, but it offers the satisfaction of growing one of the most majestic and durable palms. With proper care, this palm will become a centerpiece of your garden. 🌱🌴