Paulownia Seed

Introduction

Germinating paulownia seed is a fun, easy, and inexpensive method of getting started in the paulownia experience. You can do it at your home without a lot of money tied up in a greenhouse or beds, and you can raise over 1,000 small seedlings in a 6 square foot area. All you need is:

• enough artificial lights heat
• moisture
• soil less potting mix
• containers
• paulownia seed
• my directions and tech support.

My method gets you through the germination problems associated with Paulownia and to the point where the little trees want to grow.

About Our Seed

• Directions are included with all seed orders
• We are always available by phone or e-mail for support.
• We guarantee germination when our directions are followed.
• Seed packs contains enough seed to germinate 1 flat, about 200 to 400 seedlings.
• Bulk seed contains enough seed to germinate 15 flats about 3,000 to 6,000 seedlings. It is best suited for larger projects.
• One ounce contains about 150,000 seed.
• One pound contains about 2,500,000 seed. It depends upon the species.

Advantages of seed

• They are cheap! The less money used in the initial investment, the easier it is to make a profit.
• You get genetic variance. If planted at higher density, the trees most suitable for the site and your needs will show themselves.The less desirable trees would scum to your saw.
• Since you started them from seed, you control their health. There are no issues with damage during the shipping process. You can get very healthy seedlings!

Germination Requirements

• Seed require bright lights to germinate! 700 foot-candles of energy or more.

• Seed must remain moist 100% of the time 24hours/7days/week.

• Do not sow the seed at a high density.  They need room to grow. No more than 1 tablespoon per flat (20" x 10")

• No fertilizer during the germination process (fertilizer will grow algae)

• Humidity is best at 90% to 100%

• The best temperature range is 70 to 85ºF

• No weed, pests, or diseases (use fresh commercial soil-less mixes for soil)

Paulownia Seed Storage

Paulownia seed store very well. I have personally tested seed viability after 7 years of dry storage at room temperatures. Rates were low (<10%), but I could still get some to sprout.

When stored between 33°F to 39°F (in a dry environment), I lost about 10% germination each year. Fresh seed have a germination rate of 90%. Hybrids are much less. Fresh seed require no stratification to break dormancy.

So, if you plan to do long term storage of several years, use your refrigerator.

Paulownia Seed Characteristics

The wing seed are very tiny (0.055-0.12 " long) and dispersed by wind. Seed should be collected after they have ripened, but before they open. The change in color from green to dark green is a good index for collection.

The seed comes from a fruit called a pod. It is ovoid, woody, egg-shaped capsules about one inch to two inches long. The capsules turns dark brown in the fall and remains on the tree through the winter.

Summary

In short, we are here to serve you with materials and the correct information to get you started in your own paulownia adventure. If cost is an issue, seed are a good method to overcome some of the initial cost. Thanks for visiting!