How to germinate Adenanthera pavonina

Adenanthera pavonina is a leguminous tropical tree with bright red seeds. Seeds have extremely hard, impermeable coats (physical dormancy) that require pre-treatment to break. With proper scarification, germination is rapid and nearly complete.

Before sowing

Scarification

agua_quente Hot water treatment breaks physical dormancy of impermeable seed coat. Immerse in boiling water for 45-60 seconds or soak in warm water for 12-24 hours. Without scarification, germination may take 12 months or more.

Soak

24 h Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours after hot water treatment. Seeds have impermeable coats requiring water uptake for dormancy break.

Hot water treatment essential. Seeds treated with hot water show 80-100% germination rates. Temperature fluctuations (summer-autumn cycling) may enhance dormancy break in field conditions.

Sowing

Substrate

Peat moss and perlite mix, well-draining potting soil, moist filter paper

Depth

0_5cm

Temperature

25°C

Moisture

alta

Container

Containers, nursery beds, Petri dishes

Day/night swing

Temperature alternation improves germination. Hot-water-treated seeds germinate well at 15/20°C, 20/25°C, 25/30°C with 84-90% rates. Summer-autumn temperature regimes promote dormancy break in natural conditions.

What to expect

Step 1

Pre-treat the seed

Step 2

Sow at 0_5cm · 25°C

Day 1–10

Seedlings emerge (~100%)

Tips

Treated seeds can achieve 100% germination in 1-4 days, though 10 days is more typical. Seeds kept in dark conditions. Soil must be kept constantly moist. Plant prefers tropical climates with full sun. Seedlings grow quickly after 1st year. Seeds viable for several years if stored sealed at room temperature.

Sources: Plants for a Future (PFAF), Tropical Plants Database, SciELO Brazil germination study, World Agroforestry Centre, research on physical dormancy breaking in Adenanthera pavonina

Fresh seeds to sow

Adenanthera pavonina

Before sowing

Sowing

What to expect

Tips

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