How to Dry Palm Tree Seeds

Overview

Palm trees can lend a tropical ambiance to a backyard. Though you can buy started palm trees, or even have a professional landscaping company install mature palm trees, starting palm trees on your own from seed is more economical. You can collect and dry seeds from your favorite palm tree species, such as the pygmy date palm (Phoenix robelenii) and the royal palm (Roystonea regia), to start your own palm forest at home.

Step 1

Collect fallen palm tree fruits from the ground. Those that have fallen have ripened and are mature enough to be planted, whereas those still on the palm tree are juvenile and unripe.

Step 2

Place the palm tree fruits in a large container or bucket. Fill the bucket with plain water and let the fruits soak in the water for three days. Soaking greatly softens the fruit's flesh and makes seed removal easier.

Step 3

Fish out the fruit after the appointed soaking time is complete. Use a sharp knife and cut a half inch into the palm fruit, or until your feel a slight resistance to the knife point--this is the seed in the center of the fruit. Continue cutting around the fruit until you've made a complete circle.

Step 4

Pull apart the cut fruit to pop out the palm tree seed that is inside. Rub the seed between your fingers under running water to rinse off any pieces of fruit that's still clinging to the seed.

Step 5

Place the seeds on sheets of newspaper or paper towels and set aside in a cool and dry area until the seeds are dry to the touch. Repeat this entire process with all the other fruit.