10 of 11 have sprouted Washingtonia Filifera after about 60 days of patience.
It's so hard to know when you are actually dealing with a pure Washingtonia Filifera (California Fan Palm) when you are at the nursery or Lowe's or Home Depot. They're generally and almost always now Filibusta hybrids. I live in Palm Springs, the literal home both spiritual and literal of the California Fan Palm. In fact there's s as beautiful 75-80 year old one right in front of my gallery. I collected some fresh seed, actually let them dry out and then simply tried to recreate the dynamics in nature.
I planted them into soil in these party cups. I kept the soil moist and after a few weeks in the shade moved them into sporadic sunlight. The desert conditions I felt would give these a real chance. After about 60 days and when I thought there was no hope. I saw the first little head poked out. These are now 4 weeks after they sprouted. Someday they will be gentle giants with pure Filifera dna. Now I have to start thinking about where they will go! I live in a condo complex, I think I'll conspire with the property landscaper and have him help me plant these and watch out for them until they become safe on their own.