Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Royal Palm Source?, 1 by LouisianaSweetPea

LouisianaSweetPea wrote:
Hello!

For YEARS, I have been looking for a source from which to buy a decently-sized Florida or Cuban Royal Palm (Roystonea elata or Roystonea regia) that wouldn't break the bank. I'm not talking about a 15-foot tree, just one about three feet tall. A good start to making my yard look tropical and cool (while sweltering in this Louisiana heat).

I recently paid $15.77 EACH plus $4.00 shipping EACH for these three pitiful specimens on eBay (NO - the plants were not pictured in the auction and were advertised as 6- to 12-inch seedlings). And the planter was not included (they arrived in a Baggie).

So I am disgusted. Perhaps someone in these forums knows of a source from which I can purchase a little palm tree?

Or, if you have had some experience with growing palms, perhaps you could let me know approximately how long it would take to attain a three-foot size if I grew some from seeds?

Thank you for any information and/or help you can provide.