Silver saw palmetto is a native palm of the southeast coast of the United States that is of high ornamental value for native landscapes and commercial potential production due to its fruit’s phytotherapeutic properties. The main propagation method for this palm is seed-based germination, which has very slow and low germination rates. This study assessed imbibition rates, germination in different temperatures that simulated Florida seasons, and pre-sowing treatments. Diaspores were exposed to seeds within the endocarp, intact seeds, scarified seeds, and seeds with their operculum removed. The maximum fresh weight of saw palmetto seeds after imbibition was observed at 11 days. Significant differences in imbibition rates and final weight were noted for seeds with an endocarp, with lower fresh mass, and scarified seeds, which showed the highest rates. Summer temperatures consistently yielded the highest final germination percentage and uniformity for seeds with or without an endocarp on constant summer temperatures or move-along experiments throughout Florida seasons. Pre-sowing treatments, such as the removal of the operculum, proved to be highly efficient in promoting the highest germination percentages and rates, while seeds with an endocarp demonstrated lower and uneven germination. The application of hormones, particularly GA3 at 10,000 ppm, also showed promise in improving germination rates.
