HOW TO GROWING CASSIA FISTULA FROM SEEDS

HOW   TO  GROWING  CASSIA  FISTULA  FROM  SEEDS

Cassia fistula, or the golden shower tree, creates a dramatic display of color in early summer with its brilliant yellow, garlandlike flower clusters. It thrives within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b through 12, where it is sometimes planted as an ornamental shade tree. Golden shower tree grows best from seeds, which can be gathered directly from a mature tree. They sprout rapidly but must be thoroughly cleaned and processed before sowing to aid germination.

Seed Development

Golden shower trees bloom most spectacularly in early summer, although they bloom sporadically from late spring until early autumn in warm climates. The 8- to 20-inch-long flower clusters persist for several weeks before fading away and ripening into seedpods. Each seedpod contains between 25 and 100 seeds and can reach a length of up to 24 inches with a 1-inch diameter. The pod has fully ripened when it takes on a dark brown or blackish color and rattles when shaken. Overripe pods split open and drop their seeds, rendering them unsuitable for propagation.

Seed Description and Toxicity

Each golden shower tree seed is 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter with a flattened, teardrop shape and a smooth, chestnut brown seed coat. A pulpy, dark brown substance holds the seeds in place within the pod. It hardens as the pods age, eventually cementing the seeds in place and impeding their removal. Both the pulp and the seeds are mildly toxic, causing diarrhea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress when consumed. The symptoms are short-lived and rarely serious, but the seeds must nonetheless be kept away from children and pets to prevent illness.

Seed Collection and Preparation

Golden shower tree seeds will germinate year-round, although they perform best in spring and summer when the days are long and bright. The seeds must be gathered from intact, unblemished pods with no obvious signs of insect damage. Put on gloves, split open the pods and extract the seeds. Thoroughly wash them in warm water to remove the black, pulpy material. The tough seed coat must be scarified to allow for germination. Rub the edge of each seed with a fine rasp to create a weak spot in the seed coat, but don't rub a hole in the seed coat because the seed will die. Soak the seeds in cold water for 24 hours before sowing them.

Seed Germination

Little maintenance or hands-on care is required when germinating golden shower tree seeds, although they need moisture and warmth to perform well. The seedlings put on growth quickly, so each should be sown in its own pot. Use gallon-sized nursery containers with drainage holes at the base and fill them with lightweight, sterile seed-starting medium. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1 inch and then place the containers in a warm, bright location where nighttime temperatures stay above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The first golden shower tree seedling will emerge in one to four weeks if the top 2 inches of medium is kept moderately moist during the germination process.