Description

Dwarf coconut palm

In addition to its nutritional value, our dwarf coconut palm is used to beautify gardens, parks, playgrounds, etc.

• After 3-5 months in the main nursery bed, coconut seedlings are ready for planting out in the field and this should coincide with the onset of rains.
• Proper selection of seedlings in the main nursery alone ensures a 10% improvement in yield.
• Below are pointers to good coconut seedlings:

1. Shoots should have a girth of 10-12 cm at the collar with about 6 leaves.
2. Short and thick leaf stalks.
3. Seedlings should have a robust healthy appearance and be free from pests and diseases.

Malaysian Dwarf Coconut Seedlings

• Flowers 3-4 years after yield establishment and produces 81 nuts per palm per year.
• It has been proven to be resistant to the Lethal Yellowing Disease of coconut.
• Therefore, this particular variety is now being advocated for combating the disease.
• This variety is also used for ornamental purposes.

Note:

• After the coconut has been planted point side down with one-third of the coconut above the soil, it is moved to a well lit, warm spot, the warmer the better as coconuts do best in spots that are 70⁰F (21⁰C) or warmer.
• It is important to keep coconuts well-watered during germination without letting it sit in overly wet soil.
• If you want to plant a coconut that has already sprouted, go ahead and plant it in well-draining soil so that the bottom two-thirds of the coconut is in the soil.
• Place in a warm area and water frequently.

Growing seedlings in polythene bags

• For seedlings grown in polythene bags, advantages include more vigorous seedlings with a better root system, better establishment, and early bearing.
• Transplanting shock is greatly minimized since there is no root damage and the early establishment of transplanted seedlings.
• Seedlings can be retained longer in the nursery when conditions for field planting are not favorable.
• Weeding, watering, and elimination of unwanted seedlings are more easily accomplished in seedlings planted in polythene bags.
• Polybags are preferably black, UV resistant for durability, and measuring 40 – 45 cm wide with 8 – 10 holes at the bottom. The sides are half-filled with soil and compost mixed at a 50:50 ratio.
• Decomposed sawdust, corncobs, rice hull, and other organic materials can be used so as to reduce the weight of the half-filled polybag and improve drainage and soil fertility.