Franklinia alatamaha seeds (Franklin Tree)

Description

Gorgeous large white blooms adorn new growth in small bunches for continuous month(s) long bloom from mid August to frost. The longer your growing season, the longer the flowering time and more opportunities to stick your nose in to inhale the sweet heavenly scent that conjures up roses, violets and wildflower honey. No wonder the bees love it!  Large tropical leaves with blazing reddish-bronze fall colour. Fibrous root system cannot out compete cedars or rhodos so plan accordingly. PROTECT FROM DEER. Extinct in the wild.

• Seed Count: 10-12
• Collection Date: Nov 2022
• Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Height and Width: 10m x 8m
• Germination test type: cut/actual germination
• Family: Theaceae

How to germinate Franklinia alatamaha seeds:

Surprisingly easy. Soak seed 24-48 hours. Baggie sow (see our article ‘baggie sowing’) in re-sealable ziplock with moist medium of finely milled peat & perlite or coarse sand/prepared coconut coir (no more than a few tbsp’s worth). Cold stratify for 3-4 weeks in the fridge. After cold stratification period is over place the baggie in a warm location (20-24C). Needs light to germinate. Germinates in 5-30 days. When you see roots prick out and transplant into a pot containing new well draining moist (not wet) medium. We prefer 15cm square pots placed in large ziplock baggies to retain humidity. Does very well under lights. Keep warm. Open bag ever so often to increase hardiness so in the time and the bag can be kept open. Don’t let dry out and don’t over water. Transplant soil should be same temp as germination (baggie) medium. Not tolerant of being chilled. Woody seed capsule might clamp onto seed leaves…don’t try to remove this as the seedling will naturally shed this (like me pulling off my rubber boots at the end of the day…not pretty but undamaged)