Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree) seeds

Description

The doubly compound leaves are the largest in North America. Very handsome robust plant that from a distance looks like wisteria growing up a branched support. Because of the open form, the branches are not prone to breakage in heavy snow. Pest free. Casts very light shade; does not harm your lawn. Grows to 20 meters tall by 10 meters wide. Some people recommend using the powdered leaves as a nibbling pest deterrent.

• Seed Count: 8-10
• Collection Date: Jan 2015
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height and Width: 15m x 10m
• Germination test type: germination
• Family: Fabaceae

How to germinate Gymnocladus dioicus seeds:

Break dormancy: has 2 seed coats; file away primary seed coat (blue) in sections until black secondary is seen. A flat file or a nutmeg grater will do nicely. Soak seed in warm water until the primary coat ‘dissolves’ away and seed swells. If seed is not swelling, refile and resoak. Soaking may take a few days, but change the water a couple times a day. Place swollen seeds (huge in comparison to its original size) in resealable baggie with at least a cup of moistened peat/sand/perlite mix. Remember to gently squeeze any trapped soak water out of the embryo chamber. Place somewhere warm (20-25C). Will only take a few days (3-30 days) to germinate. Prick out and transplant into deep pots as it puts down a very long tap root.