Question
my first question is i bought seeds for a palm tree (canary island date palm)(phoenix canariensis) it says to put seeds in deep rich humus/peat mix and use bottom heat, will germinate in 3-12 months.  i cant find humus/peat mix. do i have to buy them separate and mix them, how, at what % mix? what is bottom heat? second how can i keep the tree small so i can keep it in the house, i live in chicagoland. i heard that if you keep in a certain size pot it will only grow a certain size.how do i plant the seed, it looks like a half seed(like a peanut split in two)

Answer
Hi don,
Thanx for your questions.  I would just buy some good potting soil and plant your seeds in that.  Bottom heat means you can buy a horticulture warming pad but the top of your fridge is perfect!  Put a deep coaster underneath the pot and keep it on top of the fridge covered in clear plastic to keep it humid.  Yes, it will take 3 months to over a year for the palm seed to germinate.  The trees are generally slow growing and if kept in a small pot, probably won't get very big.  Be sure to let it spend the summer outdoors though.  I hope this helps.
Tom