Saw Palmetto Germination
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: No Name Given
Posted on: March 15, 2001

I was given some Saw Palmetto seeds by a friend and would like some advice on germinating them, as I have never germinated them before, nor can I find any information.

Saw Palmetto is native plant from the southern coastal regions of the United States. The berries are traditionally used for prostate gland enlargement and inflammation and have become one of the most important herbs in commerce for this usage. It is also used for respiratory problems and as a general tonic for convalescents.

The seeds are slow to germinate, taking up to three months to complete. They need bottom heat (25-30 degrees Celsius or 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). They come up a few at a time, not all at once as seeds from most other plants do.

Unless the berries are reasonably fresh, they won’t germinate. Because the article of the commercial herb trade is the berry, you may have been given berries that are too old to germinate; therefore, do not be surprised if your berries do not germinate at all.

Good luck.

Back to Growing Herbs | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.