These seedlings have their origin from fallen seeds that have germinated and grown in and around the parent plant. The farmers may use seedlings at two stages of development, the young undeclared plants, plants which have not flowered, or the more mature declared plants, which have flowered and thus the sex could be identified. In the latter instance plants that produced female flowers and then fruits will be selected. - From Government Agricultural Stations Nutmegs are usually propagated by fresh seeds with their testa still attached. Seeds where the kernel rattle in the shell and old seeds will not germinate. In shaded nurseries the selected seeds are sown 2.5 - 5 cm deep and 30 cm apart in boxes or well prepared moistened nursery beds.
Germination takes about one month or more.
After two to three months the plants average about 15 cm in height. They are then transferred to baskets or plastic perforated bags. As regards seed germination it has been observed that there was a rapid decline in percentage germination if seeds are planted later than three days after harvest. Removal or scarring of the shell facilitated germination. Also there was some connection between monthly yield by the parent tree and the level of germination.