Originally Posted by jmoore

This is for Musa

1. soak in boiled and cooled water containing 1 g/l epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) for 7 days for large seeds like sikkimensis or 3 days for small seeds like Velutina. (change solution every day)
2. place seeds in vermiculite contained in a plastic food saver with lid, you don't need to cover the seeds, it's easier if you don't (vermiculite was saturated with boiling water straight from the kettle and then drain the excess water; leave to cool)
3. If you are in the summer months, the daily temperature fluctuation either on a south facing window sill or in a conservatory should be enough to break the dormancy. Winter will need a heated propagator.
4. Check after a week and keep checking for any signs of the micropylar plug lifting and showing the emerging embryo then transfer the seed to multipurpose compost and keep warm, but with good air flow to try and prevent damping off.(If they are a no show, put them to one side and forget about them, sometimes they pop up when they fancy)

The sprout should start to show after another week or so.

If you bought from Trebrown, he only sells Ventricosum and Formosana (he collects these seeds himself from Taiwan), did you buy both? I've never heard of the French company.

I always buy from Europalms or from Marcus Senger and occasionally Rare Palm Seeds if I'm feeling rich. Quality seed is the key.

Ensete require the same treatment, but they require a more constant and higher temperature, but they can be a bit naughty and pop up when you aren't expecting.

Hope this helps.