PalmsNorth.com

Hello Im real bad seed germination and seedlings so Im on here asking, Whats the best way to germinate encephalartos seeds. I ordered 2 and they just came in the mail.

What works for me is first soaking them overnight.
I'm assuming you have good seed and no "floaters", if they are floating, keep them in the water for a few days and see if they sink.
Afterwards, I put mine in a container half filled with barely moistened perlite. Lay the seeds on their side half buried, seal the container and find a warm spot (85-95F)

There are reports of "de-lidding" greatly speeding up Encephalartos germination, I've never tried it.

Here's one of Tom's articles on Cycad germination.
http://www.plantapalm.com/vce/horticulture/seeds.htm

Good luck with them!

Steve

Be patient with them. I am growing my first cycads from seed that I planted 2 years ago. These were from my female Cycas revoluta. This is outdoors in a cool coastal climate in California with no additional heat. Some seeds are still germinating and many others are putting out their first leaves.

Good Luck.