This palm follows the seasons. In Victoria, BC the males can show signs of new flower pods as early as March. In a long process flower blooms start in May or June. The female palms have yellow-green flowers that emerge after the male palms have put out their bright(er) yellow flowers. The male flowers dry out in summer while the females produce small green fruits. These turn blue before the next spring. Yes, a winter is required.

The seeds are usually harvested after mid-winter by coastal gardeners who have the patience to start palm tree seedlings. For those who know what a Trachycarpus wagnerianus looks like, you can cross fortunei with wagnerianus.

A friend's Youtube channel link is posted here for BC coastal gardeners who like various exotic plants and trees. The site points out many plant names and facts.
Anything you like to know about growing Windmill Palms in southwestern BC can be viewed on this site.