Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
PalmTalk

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

WELCOME GUEST

It looks as if you are viewing PalmTalk as an unregistered Guest.

Please consider registering so as to take better advantage of our vast knowledge base and friendly community.  By registering you will gain access to many features - among them are our powerful Search feature, the ability to Private Message other Users, and be able to post and/or answer questions from all over the world. It is completely free, no “catches,” and you will have complete control over how you wish to use this site.

PalmTalk is sponsored by the International Palm Society. - an organization dedicated to learning everything about and enjoying palm trees (and their companion plants) while conserving endangered palm species and habitat worldwide. Please take the time to know us all better and register.

guest Renda04.jpg

Methods to scarify palm seeds

PalmatierMeg
PalmatierMeg
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

Featured Replies

I've been trying to find out what methods are available to scarify palm seeds that are otherwise difficult to germinate, i.e., Howea. I found an internet source that recommends rubbing each seed between pieces of sandpaper (no grit size mentioned). What methods do members of this forum use? Will you elaborate in detail? Can you provide photos? Thanks.

Meg

Palms of Victory I shall wear

Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise)
Florida
Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal
Elevation: 15 feet

I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade.

Toenail clippers are the best! I've used them on both palm and tree seeds. It's the easiest way to get a tiny nick, which is all that's necessary to let moisture in.

With dicots, I've tried a sandpaper sheet with a sticky back on the table and it's too easy to end up opening up too large of an area and damaging one of the cotyledons.

On seeds that people also recommend acid bath or boiling to break the seed coat, I've never had a problem with the toenail clipper nick.

    •
    • Upvote 1
    • Author

    Interesting. Do you nick the stem end or flower end?

    Meg

    Palms of Victory I shall wear

    Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise)
    Florida
    Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal
    Elevation: 15 feet

    I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade.

    For Howea just need patience.I have just sprouted some seeds,after 2-3 years.Also I have seedlings from same seeds which sprouted in just 3-4 months.Most Important is temperature,must be around 20-24°C.

    Sulfuric acid bath.

    •
    • Upvote 1

    I am curious for the hard shelled big seeded Attalea-how do you get those things to speed up( or germinate in general)?
    • 1 year later...

    Anyone have any further thoughts?

    Here's a link to an article advocating cold storage for Buteas and Braheas. Any thoughts?

    http://www.palmsociety.org/members/english/chamaerops/048/048-14.shtml

     

     

    Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

    Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.
    42 minutes ago, DoomsDave said:

    Anyone have any further thoughts?

    Here's a link to an article advocating cold storage for Buteas and Braheas. Any thoughts?

    http://www.palmsociety.org/members/english/chamaerops/048/048-14.shtml

     

     

    Butia and brahea germinate best right off the tree as long as you remove all fruit. 

    After germinating 100k+ palm seed I've learned that fresh, cleaned seed reigns supreme.  So much so that ill pay more for seed that i know for a fact was just pulled from the plant. Trachycarpus is very picky and if it isnt cleaned, soaked and in the germination station asap the germination rates drop like a rock. 3-4 months can make the difference between 80% and 20%. 

    • Upvote 1

    OK so not a palm - but the hard seeds of camelia sinensis that I germinated I basically used a sharp kitchen knife to chip the outer hard seed coating, then a little soak and germination happened quite quickly with a bit if warmth. As mentioned above freshness makes all the difference and if its still in fruit then better as the fruit keeps the seeds fresh.

    James

    Create an account or sign in to comment
    Go to topic listing

    Account

    Navigation

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.