Name: Quickstick / Mexican Lilac / Madre de Cacao / Gliricidia Tree
Brand: Green Legacy Seeds
SKU: Tre41
Price: 11.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Source Data

Catalpa bignonioid (lat. Catalpa bignonioides)

Catalpa bignoniform is a shrub or a wide tree up to 7 m tall, grows very quickly, the flowers are white, large, beautiful, the inflorescences are similar to those of a chestnut.

Prefers to grow along the banks of rivers. Its branches form a lush crown, and the leaves are similar to lilac leaves, only several times larger. The tree has fragrant white flowers with red specks, which form into inflorescences.

The tree blooms for about a month, and grows very quickly. After flowering, small fruits appear on the tree. These are a kind of boxes with small seeds. Very often in autumn the tree sheds its green leaves.

It has sufficient frost resistance and needs moist soil. The tree requires preparation for winter and it is best to wrap it with a protective material. The tree is ideal for single plantings along alleys or streets.

Instructions

Growing Quickstick / Mexican Lilac / Madre de Cacao / Gliricidia Tree (Gliricidia sepium) from seed is a rewarding process. Follow these guidelines for best results.
Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat. Discard any floating seeds as they are likely non-viable.
Sowing: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in well-draining seed compost. Water gently and keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a bright location at 18–22°C.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 2–8 weeks. Keep soil consistently moist during germination. Once seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation.
Transplanting: Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have 2–3 pairs of true leaves. Harden off gradually over 7–10 days before planting in final position. Space according to the mature size of the species.
Aftercare: Water regularly during the first growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to maintain shape.
Hardiness: Hardiness varies by species and growing conditions. Young plants may need protection from extreme temperatures. Acclimatize gradually to outdoor conditions.