How to Germinate Brazil Nuts More Quickly

Brazil nuts are notorious for their long germination periods, usually a year or more. With a little special care, you can get them to germinate in just a few weeks after "curing" them in damp sand for a few months. Brazil nut trees grown from seed will not begin producing nuts for 10 to 15 years after the seeds first germinate.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Damp sand and containers
• Plastic cups
• Plastic bags

1. Collect freshly fallen Brazil nut fruits during the rainy season in January and February. Each fruit will contain several Brazil nut seeds encased in their hard outer coating.

2. Remove the seed casings from the inedible fruit. Discard the fruit.

3. Cover the unshelled nuts with sand in a plastic container or wooden container lined with plastic sheeting. The nuts should not touch each other.

4. Remove the softened nuts from the damp sand after a few days and crack the hard outer shells to remove the seeds inside.

5. Plant the seeds in moist sand in a plastic cup and insert the cup into a plastic bag. Keep the sand moist and germination should occur within 20 to 25 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Brazil nuts that are not removed from their hard outer husks can take 12 to 15 months to germinate.

References

• Read more about growing Brazil nuts.