Palms are unique among woody ornamental plants because,
with relatively few exceptions, palm species can only be
propagated from seed. Palms are also notorious in the
nursery trade for slow and uneven seed germination. It has
been estimated that over 25% of all palm species require
over 100 days to germinate and have less than 20% total
germination (Tomlinson 1990). The primary reason for this
is that the seeds of most species contain small or immature
embryos that must complete their development before
germination can occur. Nonetheless, the palm grower can
maximize success with germinating palm seeds by paying
careful attention to a number of basic guidelines. The
purpose of this publication is to outline and discuss the
various aspects of handling and germinating palm seeds in
the most cost-effective and reliable manner possible