In order to simplify the germination test of Pennisetum (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) seeds, a comparison was made among the substrata of several layers of blotting paper or towel paper in gerboxes and rolled towels. The rolled towels substratum laid vertically on the germinator tray uses less space than the ones in the gerboxes. No difference was noticed among the three substrata. Rolled towels allowed better seedling development and less interwovened roots, which enables a better sight and only one evaluation at the 7th day. In addition, less infection occurred due to the larger spacing among the seedlings when compared with the ones in the gerboxes. It was concluded that the rolled towel substratum is an useful alternative method for the germination of germination of Pennisetum seed.