View Full Version : Shipping coconut to the U.S.
DoctorSteve
06-01-2012, 03:10 PM
I was wondering if anyone knows if I can have a coconut shipped to the U.S., specifically California. I think if it was a rooted plant or sprouted I may have problems, so I was thinking I would order just the unsprouted coconut as it would just be a seed.
So a more accurate question is, can I send an unsprouted coconut to the U.S.?
sunfish
06-01-2012, 03:16 PM
I was wondering if anyone knows if I can have a coconut shipped to the U.S., specifically California. I think if it was a rooted plant or sprouted I may have problems, so I was thinking I would order just the unsprouted coconut as it would just be a seed.
So a more accurate question is, can I send an unsprouted coconut to the U.S.?
You need a permit to import seed into the U.S.
sunfish
06-01-2012, 03:17 PM
You need a permit to import seed into the U.S.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=small%20lot%20seed%20permit&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aphis.usda.gov%2Fimport_export%2Fplants%2Fp lant_imports%2Fsmalllots_seed.shtml&ei=xSHJT-mfMKW_2QX2yczZCw&usg=AFQjCNHRnScWwgy-cqaKSXYdqeiZB6nalg&cad=rja
Dalmatiansoap
06-01-2012, 03:28 PM
But isnt coconut a fruit? Do U need a permit to import an apple? Peach maybe?
sunfish
06-01-2012, 03:30 PM
But isnt coconut a fruit? Do U need a permit to import an apple? Peach maybe?
Prohibited and Restricted Items - CBP.gov (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml)
sunfish
06-01-2012, 03:32 PM
USDA - APHIS - Permits, Notifications, Petitions, Licenses, and Certifications (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/ppq_epermits.shtml)
Seed permit is free Whoohoo
DoctorSteve
06-01-2012, 03:38 PM
Ok so I know you may have looked through this stuff before because you have a nursery license it seems that I would need to apply for:
"PPQ 587: Application for permit to import plants or plant products".
Do you know if that is the one for seeds? I was looking on that site for the word seed but could not find it, only plant and plant products.
DoctorSteve
06-01-2012, 03:40 PM
Oh I found it, that is the one it looks like.
sunfish
06-01-2012, 03:45 PM
USDA - APHIS - Import and Export, Small Lots of Seed (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/smalllots_seed.shtml)
Half way down. How to apply for small lot seed permit. You could call maybe you don't need to go to the trouble of getting a permit.
DoctorSteve
06-01-2012, 03:57 PM
That is a good idea actually thanks for the help.
john_ny
06-01-2012, 07:42 PM
Many years ago, I brought about 30 sprouted coconuts from Anderson Air Force Base, in Guam. (They were laying all over the beach, there) Our first point of entry into the US was either Hickam AFB, or Barber's Point Naval Air Station, both in Hawaii, I can't remember which. Now, I had a plant import permit from the USDA, at the time, but was never asked for it. Normally,
plants imported, under the permit, must go to a USDA Quarantine Station, or if you are carrying them personally, and land at a place where there is no Quarantine Station, you have to arrange for a bonded carrier to transport the material to the QS. Perhaps, the coconuts were considered seeds.
jjjankovsky
06-01-2012, 08:04 PM
I'm amazed by this thread, as, we sell our coconuts every 3 months and the best go straight to Los Angelas with the buyer's connections.
Perhaps just find some sproated cocos in the states where they grow?
john_ny
06-01-2012, 08:44 PM
As I said before, perhaps the coconuts were considered seeds and (at that time, at least) no permit was needed for seeds, I know, even to this day, we can bring bananas (fruit) back from places like Panama, It seems that the biggest thing is that there is no soil on the material
raygrogan
06-01-2012, 11:51 PM
Some areas have wicked coconut diseases that other areas do not want. The ag guys keep track of that.
If your goal is to sprout a coconut tree to grow, and you are not picky about the variety, I think you can sprout one you buy in the grocery store. Most are basic tall coconut palms that many people prefer.
If you have found a source of a special variety ... then it is worth the trouble to check for disease, etc.
Good coconuts -
Golden King from Sri Lanka is probably the tastiest, and very attractive, tallish.
Coco Nino is an overall dwarf (shorter and less wide) and has a very tasty drinking nut.
Dwarf drinking nuts from various parts of Polynesia have shortness and various appearances, and are generally the best for whacking a half ripe nut open and drinking the juice, then eating the spoon meat. Most are self-pollinating.
sunfish
06-01-2012, 11:58 PM
http://www.bananas.org/f8/growing-coconut-store-bought-coconut-15392.html#post196334
DoctorSteve
06-02-2012, 12:04 AM
Both of these say that coconuts from Guam and Hawaii need inspection before importing to the mainland. Maybe they are more strict now I don't know. Or maybe they just don't care enough about coconuts to inspect them all.
APHIS | News (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/notice_hawaii.html)
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aphis.usda.gov%2Fpublications%2Fplant_healt h%2F2011%2Fguidance_hawaii_guam.pdf&ei=GpvJT4i-Fcmr2AWbvujZCw&usg=AFQjCNFobziDBMgHb8aws9Cm8cMInTvSEA&sig2=9kof1-l2GUt_cs42z1GSNw
I am going to contact the USDA about it first though.
TommyMacLuckie
06-03-2012, 05:37 PM
I know in the Caribbean when coconut trees get killed by disease and someone wants to bring in new plants they must not have any soil on the roots. I saw an article about it and they had pictures. It was quite a site.
In New Orleans, for the Zulu parade during Carnival on Mardi Gras, they used to throw coconuts (now they hand them to people). They came from the grocery store. I knew of someone that shoved one in a pot and forgot about it...yes, guess what it did.
So it can happen.
PR-Giants
06-03-2012, 09:13 PM
What type are you looking for, the Polynesian coco is best to drink and eat. The shape of the coco assures proper planting position under natural conditions, I always plant it in the same position it was originally laying.
BTW you can do some things to change the shape of the trunk and to make it look unique.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=49179&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=49179)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=49178&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=49178)
sunfish
06-03-2012, 09:18 PM
What type are you looking for, the Polynesian coco is best to drink and eat. The shape of the coco assures proper planting position under natural conditions, I always plant it in the same position it was originally laying.
BTW you can do some things to change the shape of the trunk and to make it look unique.
http://www.bananas.org/f8/growing-coconut-store-bought-coconut-15392.html#post196334
PR-Giants
06-03-2012, 10:04 PM
http://www.bananas.org/f8/growing-coconut-store-bought-coconut-15392.html#post196334
They fall from a tree and grow, they even wash up on the beach and grow. After a few thousand years nature pretty much figured this one out without a video. On a serious note, plant it in the same position just in case the germination process has already started.
Most people here will tell you that you can only plant bananas and mangos on a certain phase of the moon, there might even be a video. I always felt sorry for suckers and seeds that got the day wrong.
sunfish
06-03-2012, 10:11 PM
They fall from a tree and grow, they even wash up on the beach and grow. After a few thousand years nature pretty much figured this one out without a video. On a serious note, plant it in the same position just in case the germination process has already started.
Most people here will tell you that you can only plant bananas and mangos on a certain phase of the moon, there might even be a video. I always felt sorry for suckers and seeds that got the day wrong.
I've germinated a store bought coconut
PR-Giants
06-04-2012, 12:03 AM
I've germinated a store bought coconut
I having difficulties trying to understand your point. You grow some amazingly beautiful plants, what inspired you to want to germinate a store bought coconut? Were you successful on your first attempt or did you need the video? It's a serious question, was it with or without the husk?
The ones I've planted on the top of my mountain I used the before mentioned technique. The ones planted at the bottom I used a sprial technique. Similar, but not equal to that of Drew Brees.
DoctorSteve
06-04-2012, 12:18 AM
I have thought of germinating a store bought coconut just to practice before getting a rare variety. Maybe he just liked the taste of that kind and wanted to grow.
Hey Tony do you have any pics?
sunfish
06-04-2012, 08:09 AM
I having difficulties trying to understand your point. You grow some amazingly beautiful plants, what inspired you to want to germinate a store bought coconut? Were you successful on your first attempt or did you need the video? It's a serious question, was it with or without the husk?
The ones I've planted on the top of my mountain I used the before mentioned technique. The ones planted at the bottom I used a sprial technique. Similar, but not equal to that of Drew Brees.
You asked which coconut DoctorSteve was interested in. If you click on the link he says which one interest him.The one I germinated had no husk,I just like growing plants from seed so I try any seed I can find.I got this one to germinate but made the mistake of setting it outside with a baggie over it,which basically cooked it.I should have keep it shaded or removed the bag.
Maybe I'll try again.Bad pic
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=40358&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=40358&si=coconut&what=allfields&name=sunfish&name=sunfish)
sunfish
06-04-2012, 08:29 AM
What type are you looking for, the Polynesian coco is best to drink and eat. The shape of the coco assures proper planting position under natural conditions, I always plant it in the same position it was originally laying.
BTW you can do some things to change the shape of the trunk and to make it look unique.
QUOTE DoctorSteve
The one that interests me the most is called a Village Dwarf Coconut. They are small enough to grow in containers. There are some pictures on this site.
VIllage Dwarf coconut - PalmTalk
DoctorSteve
06-04-2012, 11:55 PM
You should try again. I think I will give it a shot just for fun and practice.
Pinnate
06-06-2012, 05:51 PM
You must have the husk removed before shipping. It will still germinate if fresh. Run the planted nut hot 90+ F and moist.
DoctorSteve
06-06-2012, 08:19 PM
Found this pdf
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/downloads/seedweb.pdf
And it says:
"Coconut (Cocos spp.) - prohibited from all sources except Jamaica and Costa Rica.
Written permit required from Jamaica and Costa Rica.
So it is a no go from Australia.
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