Firmiana simplex seed (Chinese Parasol Tree)

Description

A dramatic fast growing tree with huge 3-5 shallow to deeply lobed leaves. White mildly fragrant flowers are borne in 30-45cm long panicles on branch tips in June. Its white star shaped seed pods are highly decorative and become leathery tan coloured before splitting open when the seeds are ripe. Brown seeds dangle from the edges of the pod segments. A thin varnish like fluid seeps from the pods when they open giving its other common name ‘Varnish Tree’. Lovely yellow fall colour. Branching doesn’t emerge from the trunk until around the 1.5 height. Makes a nice rounded crown at maturity. Smooth green bark turns whitish with age. Great for shade and as a street tree.

• Seed Count: 15-20
• Collection Date: Nov 2013
• Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Height and Width 12m x 10m
• Germination test type: hand sort

How to germinate Firmiana simplex seeds:

Easy. Soak seed 24-36 hours.  Sow in moistened well draining medium in a deep pot or baggie sow (later prick out and transplant into same said deep pot…think 1 gallon minimum). Cold stratify 30 days then germinate at 20-25C.  Should germinate in 30-45 days. Don’t let medium dry out and if baggie sowing check often for early spouting seed.