Florida Native Plant Germination: Oaks, Mangroves, Yucca, Vines, Palms, and Camphor

Southern Oaks (Chapman, Bluejack, Turkey, Shumard, Laurel)

• No cold stratification needed (unlike northern oaks).
• Float test: 24 hrs in water; discard floaters.
• Plant 1 inch deep in pots/beds; leave outdoors over winter.
• Germination variable: some immediate, some spring, some summer.

Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)

• Unique vivipary: seeds germinate on tree, drop as propagules.
• EHow guide for propagule planting in saltwater conditions.

Yucca

• Collect black flat seeds from splitting capsules.
• Expect grubs (yucca moth larvae)—normal.
• Barely cover with soil; germinate 30–60 days sporadically.
• Seedlings grass-like; years to size.

Tropical Vines (Monkey Ladder, Hamburger Bean)

• Large, hard seeds adapted to water dispersal.
• Plant 2–4 inches deep; very warm (80–90°F), very moist.
• May take months to germinate; imitate tropical riverbank.

Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)

• Clean pulp; soak 24–48 hrs; discard floaters.
• Plant 1 inch deep; keep 85–90°F; sprout in 30 days (sporadic).
• Brittle roots—transplant carefully.

Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)

• Soak 24 hrs; plant 1 inch deep; 80–90°F; germinate <30 days.
• Warning: Listed invasive by UF/IFAS for Central/North Florida.
• UF Invasive Assessment.