Thank you! I was wondering if the holes were not good, but it seems they are just part of the seed.

The pindo seeds are heavy. I might end up cracking one open, like you mentioned, just to see. I will also do the basic float test for the others.

Just a bit more info while I am warmed to the topic!

Windmill Seeds:

Those seeds look pretty good, I don't have much experience with these, but I think a little scuffing of the outer seed coat would do some good in terms of a water soak.

Sabal minor:

These are definitely palmetto seeds, but I think these will need to be at least sanded a bit or scuffed, otherwise I can't really see how these would soak up much water!

Pindo palm:

The seeds I got were also heavy, which I take to be a good sign. I actually did a bit of research on these seeds, and I have discovered that if you crack these seeds open, instead of an endocarp you will find 1-3 smaller seeds. The outer coat of the large seed is very thick, and I just don't see how a water soaking would help that much with all the shell to get through. I used a pair of vice grips to crush the outer shell, and got about 2 smaller undamaged seeds from the 5 some large seeds I crushed. These small seeds will be a lot more permeable to water, and will germinate quicker, should I be correct. I will tell you if they end up germinating better.

How did the order go! Did you get your seeds in a reasonable time frame? I have been considering ordering from this company.

Oh, and yes, those seeds should be sabal minor. If they are not, they are definitely some sort of palmetto for sure.

Now, all you have to do is germinate!!

Good luck!

~palmsandsnow

Is the paper towel method good for germinating palm seeds? I have used it before with other seeds, but never tried it with palms. What do you think?

I have not tried it with palm seeds, but yes, it works very well with flower seeds/beans. I think I saw a video once on germinating date palm seeds, but other than that I am not sure. I think using soil is more reliable, especially for palm seeds. I think you should try it, but it will be at the possible expense of your seeds!

~palmsandsnow

please post back your results. I have spent about $60-$75 at seedman dot com on 10-12 different varieties and i have gotten very few to actually germinate.

I've just recently started germinating palm seeds myself 6 months ago, using the wet paper towel. so far 2 bottle palms and 4 flamethrower palms. Now that this warm weather finally coming around it might get better germinating more seeds.

sweetscIencefan,

By 2 and 4 do you mean palm seeds that have germinated? I am curious about germinating with a paper towel. Tell me how it goes!!

~palmsandsnow

Yes I was able to germinate 2 bottle palms and 4 flamethrower palms last september. It was my first try at it. I soaked the seeds for 24 hrs warm water wrapped them in a damp paper towel and put them in a zip lock bag put em away in a very warm place, check on em every few days.

Oh, nice! I think I might just try that method now that I know it works!

I've often used a similar method, but sphagnum moss instead of paper towel.