Cycas revoluta Thumb.

The seed takes 6 - 9 mths to ripen. Pick the fruit when it is very red, off the plant. Peel off the outer flesh or if too hard, soak the seeds in warm water for 48 - 72 hours to loosen the outer flesh. Change the water daily. Discard any seeds that float to the top, keep the ones that sink. Floating seeds won't germinate as they lack an endosperm. Using gloves, so your hands don't turn orange, wash the seeds thoroughly with Solvol soap to remove any remaining pulp. Allow to dry. Store in a cool, dark place. It is best to sow the seed as soon as possible for best results.

Viability:-        6 - 12 months

Seeds/gram:-

1 part Cocopeat + 1 part Perlite

If the seed has been stored for awhile, soak in a bowl or bucket of water overnight to soften the outer coat. Fill 100mm pots or 150mm deep seedling trays, then press the seeds 2/3 of the way into the mix, till just the flat side is above the mix surface, water in well with Previcur fungicide mix. Place in hothouse. Maintain hothouse environment between 50-75% humidity and temperature between 20-30° C. Spray fortnightly with fungicide. Keep in bright but indirect light.

In warmer climates, place outside in a shade house and keep moist but not too wet.

Viable seeds/gram:-             (90% germination rate on fresh picked seed)

Germination time:-     4 - 6 months       

Pricking out:-              2 - 3 months after germination

100mm Pot Mix:-       Premium Potting Soil     

Best to let get slightly root bound before potting on into next size pot which will 6 - 9 mths into 140mm another 18 mths into 200mm pots

It will be difficult to seperate offsets as they are tightly packed to the mother plant. Select offsets that are approximately a 200 - 400mm. With a sharp knife, secateurs or axe, slice down the side of the stem of the mother plant to remove the offset with roots attached. Keep moist with misting or place in a bucket of water

Premium Potting Soil

1/4 fill the 140 - 200mm pot with mix. Hold the offset over the soil mix in the pot and back fill around the offset and firm down. The offset should stand firm and be approximately the same depth as the original soil level, not too deep or it will rot. Water the pots of mix thoroughly with Previcur fungicide.  Place in hot house, keep moist. Maintain hot house environment between 50-75% humidity and temperature between 20-30° C.

Strike Rate:-     Field Stock        40-50 %

                        Nursery Stock   

Rooting time:- Field Stock        4 - 6 mths.

                        Nursery Stock