So how can you tell if your cycad seeds are fertile? Here are three ways. Immature cycad seeds are hollow tubes. In contrast, fertile cycad seeds have a long, cylindrical shell with a slender tube in the middle. After you’ve checked all of these points, you can decide whether you want to proceed with planting the seeds.
I
There are several ways to find out if cycad seeds are ready for planting. The first and most obvious way is to place them on a firm surface. Once they’ve softened, slice the seed in half, so that you can see the embryo inside. The embryo will begin to push out of the seed, becoming a radicle. Once the seed is ready, plant it in a container with adequate ventilation.
The female cycads will release a sticky liquid drop in the morning. Pollen that comes in contact with this liquid drop is sucked into the ovule. The sperm cells are stored in the pollen chambers within the seed. After about four months, the sperm cells will be released and swim down the tube to fertilize the ovule.
Then, you can plant the seedlings in potting soil that is sand-like and free of evaporation. Once they sprout, they should stay moist for four to eight weeks. Planting in the ground is also possible. Cycads grow slowly and take between twelve and fourteen years to fully mature. Therefore, make sure to start your planting with enough time and attention.
The relationship of cycads to other gymnosperms is still controversial and requires more research. However, one book published in 2003 by David L. Jones, PhD, is an excellent reference. This book details the evolutionary history of cycads and explains how they are related to other gymnosperms. If you’re unsure, consult the Cycad Photo Gallery to learn more about the plant.
A variety of factors play into the time it takes to germinate a fertilized seed. The timeframe will depend on the species and when the seed is released from the cone. Fast seeds germinate in six months, while slow seeds take around eighteen months. Many cycad species release immature embryos in the process of maturation, which can take weeks to months. Slow seeds are also the most difficult to germinate and can cost you a large number of dollars.
Cycads are known for being poisonous to humans and pets. Unless you plan to use the seeds for edible purposes, make sure you don’t get them near pets. You don’t want your pets or children to get a hold of them. And remember, if you do germinate your seeds, they will likely be poisonous for them. This information will be valuable when you come to plant them.
II
It is difficult to determine whether or not cycad seeds are fertile without pollination. Pollination can be done manually by mixing pollen and water in a sterile container, then dropping the mixture onto the female cone. Generally, cycad seeds will become ripe after a few months, but some can take up to a year.
Cycad species have different reproductive cycles. This varies by location, year, and local weather conditions. Male cones begin shedding pollen a few weeks after the female cone begins to be receptive. The same rule is not true for Ceratozamia species. The first female cone is not pollinated. Therefore, the seeds should not be thrown away, even if they were collected as immature.
Unlike some seed types, cycads do not produce true fruit or flowers. Instead, they produce one or more large seed cones. Seeds from cycad species that are not fully developed are prone to germination problems. Fortunately, germination and emergence are easy to detect. Listed below are some guidelines for determining whether cycad seeds are fertile.
Cycads are hardy, and should be grown indoors near a bright window or a lightly shaded cold frame. Ensure the soil mix is warm but not too warm, as high temperatures can cause damage to the leaves. Cycads also are vulnerable to disease. Unlike other plants, cycads do not require amended soil. Healthy cycads grow in sandy soil with consistent moisture levels.
Some species of cycads are rare, so it is important to know the species before planting the seed. Cycads are often cultivated in pots, so it is necessary to plant them indoors if possible. Some species can be used for indoor purposes, and Zamia furfuracea is a hardy variety for indoor gardens. A little research and a good gardener can use cycad plants as indoor decorations.
Cycads propagate via seed and basal offsets. Offsets are roots that grow at ground level near the main stem. Suckers occur above ground. Both male and female cones have separate reproductive structures called cones. Male cones are large and have cone-like tips, while female cones are small and crowded at the base. They do not look like pineapples.
IV
Cycads have large seeds and must be well-developed to germinate. They may need a rest period before germination, especially if they are from a drier climate. Desiccated seeds may rattle when shaken, but this does not affect their viability. The ripeness of cycad seeds depends on several factors. The most obvious is the presence of an embryo.
Cycad seeds have two ends – a sprouting end and a non-sprouting end. The sprouting end will have a spot, raised area, or a series of cracks. The end that is facing up will contain the embryo. Once the embryo pushes out, the seed will be ready for harvest. This process may take a few weeks, but it’s well worth the wait.
Keeping seeds too damp is the most common mistake when planting cycads. If the seed is soaked for two to three days, it will rehydrate. Afterward, plant it in a slightly larger container. Continue to rehydrate the seed to ensure its viability. It should sprout within two to three months. If it is too damp, the cycad seeds will rot.
Another key to determining the viability of cycad seeds is to check whether the plants are pollinated. If both of them pollinate, the plants will produce a lot of seeds. A single plant will produce anywhere from 20 to 600 seeds. Only half of these seeds will be fertile. Most of these cycads grow in leech-infested jungles or countries undergoing perpetual civil war. This is why a single plant can cost upwards of $20 or more.
Immature cycad seeds have a hollow tube
Immature Cycad seeds have a small embryo in the center that grows to form a radicle and emerge as a plant. This tube is connected to the embryo through an umbilical cord-like structure called the suspensor. As the embryo grows, the suspensor compresses and eventually emerges from the seed when it sprouts. It is possible to plant cycad seeds in pots after they sprout.
An immature Cycad seed is the only type of seed with an embryo inside. If the seed is not containing one, it will never germinate. Fortunately, you can check this by slicing open the seed and looking inside. If you find an embryo inside, you should find a fine coiled filament inside the hollow tube. You should also find a small object attached to the filament.
Cycad seed storage is essential for high germination rates. Seeds must be kept moist to a certain extent, but not so much that they become floaters or rattlers. It is also crucial to ensure that the seeds are stored correctly to prevent germination failure. If the seed is left in water too long, it can break away from its hard shell and become a rattler or floater.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.