Cycas revoluta – Sago palm

Cycas revoluta – Sago Palm

Family: Cycadaceae
Packet size: 10 seeds
Price: $10.00

Bulk quantities: Larger quantities may be available on enquiry. As these are large seeds, postage for bulk orders is calculated according to size and weight. Please contact ABCeeds for a quote.

Description

Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm or Sago Cycad, is a slow-growing, evergreen cycad valued for its distinctive, palm-like appearance and architectural form. Although it resembles a palm, it belongs to the ancient cycad family, Cycadaceae.

Its symmetrical crown of stiff, glossy, dark green fronds emerges from a sturdy central trunk, creating an attractive feature in tropical, subtropical and sheltered temperate gardens. It is also well suited to large containers and courtyard displays.

A long-lived ornamental plant, Cycas revoluta develops slowly, making it particularly rewarding for gardeners interested in growing cycads from seed.

Key Features

• Foliage: Glossy, deep green, feather-like fronds arranged in a symmetrical crown.
• Plant habit: Slow-growing, evergreen cycad with a sturdy trunk.
• Garden uses: Feature planting, large pots, courtyards and tropical-style gardens.
• Adaptability: Tolerates dry periods once established but requires excellent drainage.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Full sun to partial shade, with protection from harsh afternoon sun when young.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or gritty soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions.
• Watering: Water moderately during establishment, allowing the growing medium to partially dry between waterings. Established plants are relatively drought tolerant.
• Climate: Suited to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical climates. Established plants tolerate some cold, although frost may damage the foliage. Protect young seedlings from frost.
• Growth rate: Very slow. Plants may take many years to develop a noticeable trunk.

Seed Propagation

1. Seed preparation: Do not damage or crack the hard inner seed coat. Seeds are supplied cleaned.
2. Soaking: Soak the cleaned seeds in fresh, room-temperature water for approximately 24 hours before sowing.
3. Sowing: Place the seeds horizontally in a free-draining, gritty seed-raising mix, pressing them gently into the surface so they are approximately half buried.
4. Growing conditions: Maintain a warm environment, ideally around 25–30°C, with bright indirect light. Keep the mix lightly moist but never waterlogged.
5. Germination: Germination may take several months and sometimes considerably longer. A root generally develops before the first leaf appears. Keep seedlings in suitable deep containers and avoid damaging the developing root.

Germination note: Cycad seed can be slow and irregular to germinate. Results depend on seed maturity, viability, temperature, moisture and growing conditions. Patience is essential.

Important Safety Information

All parts of Cycas revoluta are highly toxic if ingested, especially the seeds. Keep seeds and plants away from children, pets and livestock. Seek urgent medical or veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.